[quote author=PJ]
[quote author=clontaago]
I can tell you the names of those who tested positibe Pete, its common knowledge down here.
*coughs email me* but seriously- anyone in their 20s that goes out and about of a weekend would be able to see with their own two eyes (all be it they are a bit dilated) that it is a majority that are indulging in re reactional drugs.
That is my opinion and it is not just limited to the cities- it is ever where across all social demographics.
I don't think this is a big problem as people have the right to do what they want to do but to label it as a problem with footballers with too much money to spend is way off the mark- it is a social problem (for want of a better word).
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I suppose that makes the case for the morality police though. Footballer's behaviour is influencing the broader community by glorifying the rec drug lifestyle.
I think it's a load of crap but obviously there is a case to be made for those wishing to target sportsmen.
Just for the record, every crossing I've had with NRL players off the field has been pleasant. I spoke to Anasta at a nightclub after they gave us a touch up in a trial, he told me to 'stick by em'. I saw what seemed like 3/4 of the NRL the night we played Italy and although they were taunted constantly and shadowed by girls, they all seemed like a decent bunch of guys and behaved impecibly.
While I don't think that every NRL player behaves themselves all the time, equally any cross section of society has their exceptions. It's just not fair that all players have been given a blanket status as 'thug' by the masses. The NRL aren't protecting their players and the media has been unchecked on their way to creating this image.
The AFL is seen as an asset to protect by Melbourne's media the same way that the NRL is target practise for Sydney's. Which then leads me to News Ltd's involvement in the game, but that's for another thread.
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agreed....most of the players I've met have been top people with few exceptions- as you would find in most walks of life.
I also agree in some respects that they have a responsibility to act as role models but at the same time some of the intrusions into their personal life is over the top on not needed (unfair). It never really happened in the past (as in pre-90s) but then again there were less outlets to broadcast things like that on.