The NRL has announced sanctions against players and officials who have been found guilty of placing bets on Rugby league matches.
The players suspended are:
David Williams – Suspended for the rest of the 2014 season after placing multiple bets on games – including several in which he was involved.
Ethan Lowe – Suspended for two games for betting on one game in which his club was involved – but in which he did not participate.
Cody Nelson – Suspended for two games for betting on one game in which his club was involved – but in which he did not participate.
Hymel Hunt – Suspended for two games for betting on one game in which his club was involved – but in which he did not participate.
Slade Griffin – Suspended for two games for betting on one game in which his club was involved – but in which he did not participate.
The NRL has also sacked three casual game day officials and suspended nine others for the remainder of the season.
Another 12 NRL players, staff and officials were given their “first and final warnings” for placing bets on games.
It is clear that the NRL uncovered a real mess with this many people placing bets on games. It is common knowledge that players and officials can not bet on Rugby League.
For David Williams to be placing bets on games he was involved in…I think he should have received a lifetime ban.
To have a player running out on the field that have placed a bet on anything that will happen in the game…at what point does it become spot fixing?
I don’t think a ban through to the end of the season goes anywhere near far enough to stop other players from taking the risk. Its not just the high profile players on big money that you need to think about. Its the player who knows his career is coming to an end and who can win a nice amount of money just by placing a few bets here and there on penalty goals, first try scorers or margins. Its fringe first graders who don’t earn massive money but that could earn thousands just by making sure they don’t run a certain number of meters in a match.
The NRL needed to slam all of those involved in betting on Rugby League and I don’t feel as though they have done that.
I would also say that every single official should have been named. I don’t think it is fair players have been named and officials haven’t been named.
Link: NRL statement on betting on rugby league
