The NRL said today it supported the decision of the Cronulla Sharks to terminate Todd Carney’s contract.
Chief Operating Officer Jim Doyle said the photo posted on social media was unacceptable and tarnished the image of the game.
“The overwhelming majority of NRL players are great role models who do such good work on and off the field,” he said.
“But those who want to bring the game into disrepute are on notice that their behaviour will not be tolerated and the Sharks should be commended for taking such a strong stand in this instance."
Earlier, Cronulla Sharks CEO Steve Noyce issued the following statement on behalf of the Cronulla Sharks:
The Cronulla Shark Football Club has today after careful consideration and lengthy deliberation, including discussions with senior NRL management, made a decision to terminate Todd Carney’s NRL playing contract effective immediately.
At the Sharks we are committed to building a successful club, a club with strong values and a club which sets and respects high standards in all aspects of its operations and activities.
When Todd was first signed to the Sharks he was made well aware of his responsibilities both on and off the field, to himself, the club and to the game in general, however the photograph that appeared last night on social media does not meet the values and standards the club is looking to uphold and take into the future.
As with any difficult decision, whilst you can’t change the past, it is important to put measures in place that can deliver positive outcomes both in the present and into the future.
The club and the NRL will be committed to working with Todd, his family and his management in implementing appropriate counseling and support, with the start of this process to begin tonight.
