Knights Injury and Suspension Updates

Yeah, I’m okay with it. It’s a strong stance.

I think I’d prefer it this suspension was from the Knights as opposed to the NSWRL though, if that makes sense.

I can’t help but compare the suspension from NSWRL to things like drink driving with a suspended license, driving with cocaine in your system and injuring others on a suspended license. These things seem like somewhat calculated risks/decisions. I can see how a slur can come out in the heat of a game (still in the wrong and needs to be stamped out).

Would consider a slightly lesser sentence for first/minor offence and mandatory education program for player and even something for club would be a reasonable approach.

I think education is a big part of things. Recognising what is offensive and perhaps some understanding of the possible implications of their actions. Though, we saw the fallout from Manly and their pride jersey. I don’t think we need to force players to celebrate/promote things that they don’t necessarily believe in (for religious or cultural or personal reasons). But I do think respect is non-negotiable for all humans.

There’s terms that are used in friendly banter with friends/teammates that are somewhat normalised within that group. But the same terms may be offensive to others when used in a different context.

The fact is, most of us have not had to experience racism or homophobia and live pretty privileged lives. Those that aren’t affected don’t really get to claim what’s offensive and what’s not. But at the end of the day, respect is a right every human should have.
 
jamesgould said:
No offense Les, but this is a very weird argument you’ve come up with. You’ve ended up saying how good it is that there’s bigoted idiots in Japan?! 😂
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Haha well I wouldn't describe the Japs as bigoted idiots, however, if one was inclined to do so they'd be tasked with explaining why bigoted idiots produce such a decent and equitable society
 
Les Misérables said:
Haha well I wouldn't describe the Japs as bigoted idiots, however, if one was inclined to do so they'd be tasked with explaining why bigoted idiots produce such a decent and equitable society
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Planning a holiday there next year, my sister used to live there so I’ve been three times, but not for a while. Definitely a very cool place to visit!
 
Well handled by the club and the NRL. Good that Kepoua apologised, and it appears genuine.

I really would like to see the bloke make his way back to FG, so I hope he rips in at training over the next 6 weeks and is raring to go for a strong end-of-season run.

PS. Marginalised groups adopting an historic slur for their own use to lessen the hurt and damage those slurs cause doesn't then make the slurs available to the rest of us—quite the opposite.
 
Seano said:
PS. Marginalised groups adopting an historic slur for their own use to lessen the hurt and damage those slurs cause doesn't then make the slurs available to the rest of us—quite the opposite.
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- Bless Coach Carter. Again in a perfect world it's not normalised by them either.
 
Nightsondee said:
I get it from both sides and there are codes of conduct within the NRL and NSWRL that state any particular comments will not be tolerated. It’s not what was said to that player that may cause damage but what is heard by the community that may.
However what I don’t agree with is someone getting 6 weeks suspension from playing yet players such as a Jermaine McKewen can get 1 week from the club and told to say sorry? Not only did he lose his licence for whatever reason, then make a decision to drive .. and under the influence, regardless of the range. So again, that could have caused significant damage to the community and a message sent out to young fans that if it happens, there’s not too big of a consequence. It’s too inconsistent for me.
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That i argue with. Happens throughout judicial systems.
 
Not really possible to compare an NRL judiciary penalty with a penalty for drink driving and being on a suspended license. It's not like the Magistrate can say "Your penalty is a $2000 fine, 6-month driving suspension and 4 matches".
 
I think context is misunderstood these days. I get that you can't use that language, and fair enough when directed at a person who is actually somewhat aligned with whatever insult you are slinging. But these guys are playing a game where they literally have to physically belt the crap out of each other. My feeling is that words become less "inflammatory" at that point. If the person that he said it to was gay and it was a "thing", then fair enough. How is it any worse that calling someone fat when they aren't, or ugly.... perspective
 
Jar head said:
I think context is misunderstood these days. I get that you can't use that language, and fair enough when directed at a person who is actually somewhat aligned with whatever insult you are slinging. But these guys are playing a game where they literally have to physically belt the crap out of each other. My feeling is that words become less "inflammatory" at that point. If the person that he said it to was gay and it was a "thing", then fair enough. How is it any worse that calling someone fat when they aren't, or ugly.... perspective
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Ironically, if he'd punched the guy in the head, he'd have got about the same suspension.
 
Jar head said:
I think context is misunderstood these days. I get that you can't use that language, and fair enough when directed at a person who is actually somewhat aligned with whatever insult you are slinging. But these guys are playing a game where they literally have to physically belt the crap out of each other. My feeling is that words become less "inflammatory" at that point. If the person that he said it to was gay and it was a "thing", then fair enough. How is it any worse that calling someone fat when they aren't, or ugly.... perspective
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It's not necessarily the guy on the receiving end that needs protecting here. Given the history of people struggling with their sexuality, another player or young fan who is struggling along those lines can still hear the comment, know it is meant to belittle the target and it can cause them further struggles. Again, a Kane Evans type would hear that kind of thing and feel it is better to bottle up their own feelings to the point of self harm, rather than just be themselves. I would rather people just feel free to be themselves.
 
Jar head said:
My feeling is that words become less "inflammatory" at that point. If the person that he said it to was gay and it was a "thing", then fair enough.
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Did you know Kane Evans was gay before he came out? Seems like with this bar to the use of language, you can call anyone whatever you like and then have the excuse of not knowing it was personal.

Also, it's kinda not the point anyway, these blokes are role models for kids. With the money and attention in the game that's just a fact of life.
 
Seano said:
Did you know Kane Evans was gay before he came out? Seems like with this bar to the use of language, you can call anyone whatever you like and then have the excuse of not knowing it was personal.

Also, it's kinda not the point anyway, these blokes are role models for kids. With the money and attention in the game that's just a fact of life.
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I get your point for sure. But I think I would still ok with him saying it to kane, if at the time, the player was unaware that kane evans was gay. Intent needs to be considered too. Again, these guys are young testosterone filled males in physical combat, a little discretion can surely be understood? Do we feel the same about someone who tells us they had issues with their weight, and later tell us they were called fat on the field. Or someone with a big nose etc etc, again, perspective of physical violence vs sounds made by our lips. There is a certain level of toughness, both physical and mental, required to play. I am not saying calling players names is tough, but I am saying you may need thick skin, as well as the
physical pain tolerance required, to.play at the highest level.
I get the point re a person in the crowd hearing a slur and being offended (or much worse, I really do understand how devastating the wrong words at the wrong time can be for someone). But I would heavily argue that by sending him off, and the following conversations and commentary that have occured (just like we are having here), more damage / potential for people to feel offended has resulted. IMO it's a similar theory to when a player gets caught taking recreational drugs (not performance enhancing for the sake of the argument). The damage to kids, in regards to idolizing these players, is ironically caused by the reporting of it, more than the event itself.
I would have been much happier if the ref just noted the incident. And then the nrl took action behind closed doors, without the media attention.
Anyway, just my opinion. I certainly don't condone the language being reported generally, I just don't see the world as black and white... ever...
 
Jar head said:
I get your point for sure. But I think I would still ok with him saying it to kane, if at the time, the player was unaware that kane evans was gay
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That's just not how it works. The person commenting doesn't get to decide if they're being offensive or not, or whether the impact is serious.

Check the rates of teen suicides for LGBT teens and those questioning their identity. It's disturbingly high; this stuff can have a serious impact.

Players also have standards of behaviour, and they know them before they walk onto the field. The game apparently just signed a $5bn rights deal that doesn't exist if we're ostracising parts of the community because those who might be the targets of homophobic or racist slurs don't feel welcome.

Even though UFC has an Athlete Code of Conduct that prohibits derogatory language regarding sexual orientation, race, and ethnic background. Though tbf, they are bad at enforcing such policies, but that's likely to change as they become more mainstream.
 
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