What a mess. Of course I’m referring to the arguably the biggest Australian sporting controversy, ever.
The fact NRL club the Melbourne Storm elaborately and systematically cheated their way to four successive grand finals and two premierships over the past five years is disturbing.
But not as disturbing as the reaction from some quarters over the NRL’s punishment to strip the club of two premierships, three minor premierships and the opportunity to earn points this season.
Can we stop blaming the NRL?
For the credibility of the game, the NRL had no choice but to punish Melbourne the way they did. And remember, this was a decision that had the support of Melbourne and NRL stakeholder News Limited. It’s also a decision that has the support of 90% of NRL fans.
Personally I think the club got off lightly. The team shouldn’t be allowed on the park this season. But to give the club the best chance at survival, the NRL has allowed them to play on.
NRL CEO David Gallop should be commended for showing strong leadership and decision making in the face of criticism from media personalities who don’t understand the first thing about business.
As crucial as the Melbourne market is for Rugby League, no one club or player is bigger than the game. For the game to win the respect of fans and other clubs who bust their guts to play fairly, Melbourne had to cop their punishment on the chin.
My final word on this saga:
Everyone agrees that Winning in sport = Success off the field.
So for every club to be successful they need to be winning, right?
So to give every team the best chance at winning, the talent needs to be spread out so the competition is even, am I correct?
This is why a salary cap exists. It’s the best formula right now to grow the game.
Yes Melbourne deserve a chance to succeed but so does every other club. The NRL understands this. News Limited understand this. The majority of fans understand this.
Unfortunately those people that think they know the right solution, don’t. Because any other solution would only divide the fans even more.
Congratulations to the NRL for having courage under fire.
