Looks like the media are applying the blow torch to Steve Mortimer heres the latest from fox sports.
Mortimer's angry media exchange
February 25, 2004
IT began with a smile and a laugh.
But by the time Bulldogs CEO Steve Mortimer terminated his first press conference since police began investigating a woman's allegation of sexual assault by several of his players, he was in no mood for jokes.
Mortimer appeared in good spirits as he strode to the throng of reporters at the Bulldogs' Belmore training ground, finally breaking his silence since allegations of the alleged assault emerged this week.
He even joked with the media scrum when the sheer amount of microphones shoved in his face obscured his view of his prepared statement.
"Hey, mate, I can't even see," Mortimer laughed as he looked down at his paper.
But the stress of a tumultuous week bubbled through as Mortimer pleaded for the public to "keep an open mind" and "not prejudge" the police investigation's outcome.
"Let the police do their job!" Mortimer at one stage bellowed, trying to keep a check on his emotions.
He also stressed his "second point" that the club would review its code of conduct and look at new initiatives including the effectiveness of player curfews and hiring security personnel for players while travelling.
All pretty positive stuff.
But Mortimer's emotions spilled over as soon as his prepared statement ended and the media pack pounced.
Here's an edited transcript of the fiery exchange that followed:
Question: "Whether or not there are any criminal charges laid are you embarrassed (that) according to witnesses that some of your players were drunk and allegedly approached young women and even groped them (at Coffs Harbour after a weekend trial match)?
Mortimer: "All I can say is that there is a police investigation at the moment, so let the police do their work. Let the police do their work!
Question: "This is just a PR exercise, haven't you got grounds already to suspend these players?
Mortimer: "As I said before we are conducting our own internal investigation which will be kept within my board...
Question: "But they've already breached your code of conduct..
Mortimer: "What are you saying?
Question: Isn't that grounds for suspension?
Mortimer: "Well we will be looking ... and when we make the appropriate actions, I've got a board meeting next Wednesday night, we'll make the appropriate actions, that's what I said, weren't you listening to that!
Question: "Will you be banning official after-match parties?
Mortimer: "I don't want to go into any more policy, I came out here and made two issues and I've already said those so I think I've been fair to the media today.
Question: "Can you confirm the four players that have agreed to the DNA tests?
Mortimer: "Look there is a police investigation going on, let the police do their work. There is an investigation going on. I don't want to keep repeating myself - let the police do their work, thank you."
