ID :
57779
Tue, 04/28/2009 - 00:07
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/57779
The shortlink copeid
Broncos alcohol policy facing test
Brisbane chief executive Bruno Cullen said Steve Michaels and Nick Kenny would not
be sacked or suspended under the club's new alcohol policy despite attracting police
attention in Byron Bay at the weekend.
NSW police told AAP on Monday a 22-year-old man was told to "move on" after
allegedly kicking the tyre of a passing car in Jonson Street around 12:40am on
Sunday.
A 26-year-old man was given the same directive by police after urinating on a wall
in Jonson street at 12:45am.
No charges were laid.
Cullen said the Superintendent for the Byron Bay area told him both men had complied
with police directions and had been "co-operative, apologetic and remorseful."
Police said the 22-year old man was heavily intoxicated while the 26-year-old was
"slightly affected" by alcohol.
Cullen will inform both players of their punishment - expected to be a fine and a
warning - on Tuesday.
"It's not a sackable or a stand down offence," Cullen told AAP.
"It's a very minor offence.
"It's all covered under our alcohol policy."
Cullen, who has spoken to both players, was extremely disappointed they were out
drinking in a strange environment without any teammates or family or friends with
them.
"I'm very disappointed and so are the coaching staff that they allowed themselves to
be put in that position.
"It could have been a lot worse, you just don't know, it could have been a brawl or
something."
Coach Ivan Henjak said Michaels and Kenny were two "decent blokes" who messed up
like many young people do.
"Yeah they messed up in public, but is it a hanging offence?
"They're two good fellas who do a hell of a lot out in the community.
"I'm certainly not going to be the one to stand up there and throw the book at them
for something so minor."
Brisbane's image took a serious battering last year after a number of
alcohol-fuelled incidents involving some highest profile players.
The club, which copped a severe backlash from the public and sponsors, issued a
blanket warning to all players to watch their behaviour and their drinking.
be sacked or suspended under the club's new alcohol policy despite attracting police
attention in Byron Bay at the weekend.
NSW police told AAP on Monday a 22-year-old man was told to "move on" after
allegedly kicking the tyre of a passing car in Jonson Street around 12:40am on
Sunday.
A 26-year-old man was given the same directive by police after urinating on a wall
in Jonson street at 12:45am.
No charges were laid.
Cullen said the Superintendent for the Byron Bay area told him both men had complied
with police directions and had been "co-operative, apologetic and remorseful."
Police said the 22-year old man was heavily intoxicated while the 26-year-old was
"slightly affected" by alcohol.
Cullen will inform both players of their punishment - expected to be a fine and a
warning - on Tuesday.
"It's not a sackable or a stand down offence," Cullen told AAP.
"It's a very minor offence.
"It's all covered under our alcohol policy."
Cullen, who has spoken to both players, was extremely disappointed they were out
drinking in a strange environment without any teammates or family or friends with
them.
"I'm very disappointed and so are the coaching staff that they allowed themselves to
be put in that position.
"It could have been a lot worse, you just don't know, it could have been a brawl or
something."
Coach Ivan Henjak said Michaels and Kenny were two "decent blokes" who messed up
like many young people do.
"Yeah they messed up in public, but is it a hanging offence?
"They're two good fellas who do a hell of a lot out in the community.
"I'm certainly not going to be the one to stand up there and throw the book at them
for something so minor."
Brisbane's image took a serious battering last year after a number of
alcohol-fuelled incidents involving some highest profile players.
The club, which copped a severe backlash from the public and sponsors, issued a
blanket warning to all players to watch their behaviour and their drinking.
