Fed: Will pack rape allegations help clean up rugby league

AAP General News (Australia)
04-29-2004
Fed: Will pack rape allegations help clean up rugby league

By Lisa Davies, Police Reporter

SYDNEY, April 29 AAP - A woman's claim of pack rape by six rugby league players is
a serious problem in anyone's book.

But is it enough to prompt cultural change in an environment many say is riddled with
unacceptable and degrading attitudes towards women?

The NSW Director of Public Prosecutions decided this week not to lay charges against
any Bulldogs players, saying there was insufficient evidence to build a case.

Despite this, the code has certainly been given a hefty wake-up call by the 20-year-old
woman's allegations.

The officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Jason Breton,
has said the decision not to lay charges in no way meant the incident did not happen -
just that there was not enough evidence to prosecute.

And the sport's governing body, the National Rugby League, clearly believed the problem
is serious, slapping the club with fines totalling $500,000 for bringing the game into
disrepute.

NRL boss David Gallop said player behaviour surrounding the incident was "disturbing"

and ordered the sanctions to keep the players in line.

But does the club's reaction mean it's in denial that anything happened?

"We have known from day one we have been guilty of nothing," Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes said.

New chief executive Malcolm Noad agreed, saying the fact no charges would be laid was
a clear vindication of his boys.

The club has continually pushed this line, and took exception at Inspector Breton's
assertion that something "absolutely" did happen in Coffs Harbour.

"So I am very disappointed there may be a cloud over their heads, because they don't
deserve it," Noad said.

The NRL has called in Sydney academic Catherine Lumby to advise the code on gender
issues, and she says attitudes must change.

"We need to ensure that women are treated with respect, care and concern in every situation,
whether that's in a sexual situation or whether it's about someone having a drink in a
bar," she said.

"We know that rape is beyond the pale, but it's also not acceptable to denigrate women,
treat them like objects, harass or assault them in other contexts."

The signs since the police decision to close the case are good with Noad saying his
players are involved in a process to reform the NRL's code of conduct.

Folkes too says players are aware of their responsibilities and know they "need to
be squeaky clean".

But after being accused of a "vicious sexual assault" in February players were clearly
overheard making crude and degrading jibes at female journalists.

This may be enough to give Lumby and company an insight into exactly what they're dealing with.

AAP ld/nf/cjh/bwl

KEYWORD: LEAGUE BULLDOGS (AAP BACKGROUNDER)

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