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Post by dragon4 on Apr 27, 2020 1:24:08 GMT
The ASRL will look into claims that Daewin Dragons star Latrell Mitchell and Merseyside Dockers winger Josh Addo-Carr flouted social distancing laws.
Addo-Carr and friends posted numerous photos on Instagram on the weekend showing the ASRL stars sitting around the campfire, riding bikes and shooting on Mitchell’s farm near Taree.
The incident occurred after the ASRL introduced strict new biosecurity measures at the 16 clubs.
The Daily Telegraph, who first reported the actions of Addo-Carr and Mitchell, sent a copy of the photo to ASRL Commission on Sunday night.
ASRL Clubs could face fines and the possibility of losing competition points if players break the COVID-19 rules.
Speaking on Big Sports Breakfast, the Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield said the player face possible suspension for the breach.
“We’ve still got selfish people like footballers camping while everyone else is in lockdown,” he said.
“It’s disappointing more than anything else that everyone else is facing sacrifices.
“There are so many jobs on the line — the whole competition depends on these players dodging coronavirus and staying fit and healthy.”
Rugby League great Laurie Daley said that if the players did indeed flout the social distancing rules, it will be a massive blow to the leagues plans.
“It’s one thing to be able to put these things in place but people need to follow them,” he said.
Dockers CEO Jim Green told the Daily Telegraph they were shocked by the photo.
“I wasn’t aware of this photo,” Green said.
““I’ve not spoken to Josh for a while. I can’t provide any context to it.
“Our players have been absent from the club since the weekend, but when they are back on deck for the round 3 of the season they’ll be fully briefed regarding the protocols being implemented by the ASRL and clubs.”
More news to come.......
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Post by dragon4 on Apr 27, 2020 6:41:20 GMT
Merseyside winger Josh Addo-Carr and Darwin centre Latrell Mitchell have issued apologies for breaking social distancing rules on the weekend.
Photos of Mitchell, Addo-Carr and Knights squad member Tyronne Roberts-Davis were posted on the Merseyside winger's Instagram account on the weekend, showing them breaking the government's social distancing rules by being closer than 1.5 metres apart and gathering in a large group.
The ASRL described the actions of the trio as "disappointing and an unacceptable breach of health orders".
Addo-Carr and Mitchell took to Instagram this afternoon to explain their actions and apologise for any hurt caused.
"Firstly I'd like to apologise for my actions this weekend. Nothing was intentional or deliberate. A couple of family members of mine are going through a tough time at the moment.
"I got in contact with Latrell to go out to his private property to connect with our culture again and try and put a smile on their faces and have a bit of fun as well.
"I can't wait to go out there and finally play some footy. Like I said before I'm really sorry from the bottom of my heart. Thanks guys."
Mitchell added: "Firstly I just want to apologise for my actions this weekend. I've been up here with my family for the past five weeks practicing that social distancing stuff.
"There's a little bit of a slip-up. Foxy [Addo-Carr] reached out, has his cousins who are going through some stuff in Sydney so he wanted to get away to the bush and make sure they're getting culturally connected again.
"That was the whole part of the concept of this weekend. I wasn't here to break any rules or hurt anyone. We're not being selfish, I couldn't turn down the brothers in their time of need. On behalf of Foxy and all my mob we do apologise."
The ASRL issued a statement on Monday morning in response to the photos of the two representative stars and Roberts-Davis, who has made seven first-grade appearances for Gold Coast before being placed on the unattached list this season.
"Our players are role models and we expect them to lead by example during this pandemic," the statement read.
"On face value, the image in today's media is both disappointing and an unacceptable breach of health orders.
"The ASRL will be speaking to the players involved to seek further information and we will ensure the players provide any assistance authorities require.
"We are embarking on a significant education program to ensure our players understand what is acceptable behaviour ahead of the resumption of training.
"When training resumes our players and officials must comply with biosecurity protocols that go further than current government restrictions.
"As a group, our players have taken government health orders very seriously and have helped educate the community. On face value, today’s matter is unacceptable and we support the government in any action they believe necessary."
As reported by The Daily Telegraph today, ASRL Commission was shown the photos of Addo-Carr and Mitchell on a camping trip on the NSW North Coast.
Government rules state people are only allowed to leave their homes for essential trips such as shopping, work, education, medical visits or personal exercise with one other person.
The post depicting the players and other men around a campfire was removed from Addo-Carr's account on Monday.
The Dockers supported the ASRL's stance on the matter, releasing a club statement: "Our expectation is that players and staff will act as role models and support community measures taken to eradicate COVID-19 (coronavirus).
"Dockers support the steps being finalised by the ASRL in order to continue the 2020 competition. Players will be fully briefed on these protocols once they return to the club ahead of Round 4 of the ASRL season.
"Any potential penalty regarding the weekend matter resides with the relevant authorities."
The Darwin Dragons posted a statement on their website on Monday to say: "Our club and players have taken the government health orders very seriously, and on a number of occasions have helped educate and support the community through this period.
"We will ensure Latrell provides any assistance authorities require and accept any action the government believes necessary."
All clubs were sent an in-depth document by the ASRL over the weekend detailing the extensive measures which will be required by players and staff in the lead-up to the ASRL's proposed continuation of the ASRL Premiership in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The RLPA issued a statement on Monday to announce it was aware of the incident and have contacted the players "to better understand the circumstances".
"The ASRL and RLPA agreed on protocols to apply during the suspension of the competition to protect the health and safety of our players, clubs and officials.
"Players are expected to adhere to the protocols, as well as the government’s community restrictions during this time.
"The RLPA takes these matters seriously and will continue to work with players, clubs and the ASRL regarding this situation."
Roberts-Davis is not in the campfire photo but is seen in another picture with Addo-Carr and another man, tagged in the post as William Lockwood, on dirtbikes.
The asrl are aware of Roberts-Davis's involvement.
Further to this, both players and clubs have been fined $10,000 by the ASRL.
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Post by Mackdadday on Apr 27, 2020 9:20:29 GMT
If these coaches have any integrity both contracts will be torn up. Paid 80k. Seriously the hits keep rolling for Latrell.
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Post by dragon4 on Apr 27, 2020 10:33:58 GMT
If these coaches have any integrity both contracts will be torn up. Paid 80k. Seriously the hits keep rolling for Latrell. It's so dissappointing....but you ain't getting your hands on in Mack! :-;
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Post by Jim on Apr 28, 2020 10:24:49 GMT
Latrell is a bad influence
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Post by bossman on May 14, 2020 4:17:17 GMT
50k
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Post by dragon4 on May 17, 2020 23:35:53 GMT
Paid $80000
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