Seems there is one possible TPA we won't need to worry about in the future
Eagle’s antics drive away club backer
Manly have given Brookvale Mazda any number of reasons to end their association, but the final straw was the behaviour of a certain player in his sponsored car.
The Sea Eagles are in the process of returning their vehicles to the dealership after owner Joe Rinaldi opted to end the relationship.The club has tested the patience of all of its sponsors with a litany of dramas this season, including the Gladstone strip club affair, the Jackson Hastings fiasco, a sex tape scandal, Trent Barrett’s heated falling out with the club hierarchy and diabolical performances on the field that resulted in the Sea Eagles narrowly missing out on the wooden spoon, which would have been the first in the club’s 71-year history.
Brookvale Mazda has long sponsored sporting organisations on the northern beaches and has a history of sticking by them in tough times. But the firm felt it had to cut ties with Manly, fearing its brand was being tarnished by the behaviour of at least one of the stars behind the wheel.
The player was one of several chosen to be an ambassador and was accordingly provided with a vehicle. However, Brookvale Mazda was shocked when it began getting complaints. The dealership was made aware of a raft of incidents, including fines.
When challenged about the issues, it’s understood the player blamed one of his teammates, claiming he wasn’t the driver at the time. Rinaldi entered into the agreement hoping the relationship would garner his business positive press. However, this drama had the potential to provide the other type of publicity, prompting Brookvale Mazda to pull the pin.
Attempts to reach Manly for comment were unsuccessful.