'Stupidity': Gus Gould savages Nathan Cleary for 'irresponsible' breach
Veteran NRL broadcaster Gus Gould has savaged Nathan Cleary and doubled down on his blanket ban comments after the Penrith star was embroiled in a new virus scandal.
Gould savaged Latrell Mitchell and Josh Addo-Carr after the NSW police fined the pair for breaching distancing laws at a camping trip.
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The former Penrith General Manager even called for the pair to be banned for the rest of the year.
But in the latest development in the ongoing NRL saga, the Nine Network broadcast photos of Cleary with a group of at least five girls, that were reportedly taken on Anzac Day.
Nine reported the NSW halfback has apologised to his Penrith teammates and claimed the girls were a group of friends who had arrived at his house.
But Gould has doubled down to ban all players seen to be breaking the rules and labelled Cleary’s actions as “irresponsible”, despite acknowledging the incident was reportedly unplanned.
No excuse. Serious breach. Granted Nathan says the incident was not planned, which obviously differs from the Josh/Latrell situation, however, players need to be vigilant. They need to protect themselves, their teammates, and the game. For mine, blanket penalties should apply. https://t.co/YiYm8qboyk
— PhilGould15 (@PhilGould15) April 28, 2020
“No excuse. Serious breach. Granted Nathan says the incident was not planned, which obviously differs from the Josh/Latrell situation, however, players need to be vigilant,” he wrote on Twitter.
“They need to protect themselves, their teammates, and the game. For mine, blanket penalties should apply.”
He continued to slam the Penrith halfback’s actions and agreed Cleary should face a 12 month suspension.
Perhaps in the intent. But not in the stupidity or seriousness. They are under strict instructions. Their livelihood, and the livelihood of their teammates, depend on it. https://t.co/pIizW2iONv
— PhilGould15 (@PhilGould15) April 28, 2020
Absolutely. It's irresponsible. https://t.co/NW9NzlxCKq
— PhilGould15 (@PhilGould15) April 28, 2020
Cleary in hot water in new virus drama
In the images broadcast by Nine, Cleary is seen sitting on a couch alongside the women, with one laying across him.
According to the network, the star NSW halfback contacted his Panthers teammates and club officials to apologise and take full responsibility.
Nine said Clearly claimed the women were friends who had come to his house on ANZAC Day briefly before departing.
NSW government rules implemented recently during the coronavirus pandemic have restricted house visits.
However, those will be eased from Friday when a maximum of two adults - and their children if they have any - will be permitted to visit another household.
With AAP
