.png)
6 months ago
24
Phil Gould may have been recently fined for speaking out against the NRL, but that hasn't stopped the Bulldogs boss from posting a cheeky jab over dual criminal allegations laid against players this week.
It has been a big week for administrators at NRL HQ, with an unnamed Queensland State of Origin player accused, but not charged, of rape.
That announcement came just hours after former Tigers and Bulldogs half Brandon Wakeham was one of three men charged following busts on Wednesday in which police said they seized more than a kilogram of MDMA.
As the separate stories broke online, Gould posted an image of a billboard that read: 'Better Call Saul! Saul Goodman Attorney at Law'.
Phil Gould is heavily involved in the NRL, running the Cantebury Bulldogs, commentating on television and appearing as an analyst on multiple media platforms
He posted this billboard from the hit shows Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul after a current NRL player was accused of rape and a former player was arrested on drug charges
Saul Goodman was a flashy lawyer that mostly represented criminals in the hit television shows
Saul Goodman - played by American actor Bob Odenkirk - is a flashy, quick-talking lawyer from the TV shows 'Breaking Bad' and 'Better Call Saul.'
Known for his colourful suits and questionable ethics, he specialises in defending criminals.
Despite his dubious methods, Saul's resourcefulness and charisma make him an intriguing character.
It comes after the NRL slapped Phil Gould with a $20,000 fine over a TV rant, accusing the Canterbury supremo of launching a 'destructive attack' on the game.
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo described rape allegations against a Queensland-based player as 'very serious' and confirmed that the league is collaborating with a club on an investigation.
The unnamed player has not been charged but is under a formal complaint made to Queensland Police by a woman.
'Obviously they're very serious allegations,' Abdo said.
He added, 'We are working with the relevant parties to find out more and obviously as we find out more, we'll be able to say more.'
Gould had previously been fined by the NRL for comments he made on Channel Nine
Wakeham was one of three men charged following busts on Wednesday in which police said they seized more than a kilogram of MDMA
NRL boss Andrew Abdo has said the league will let ongoing investigations play out before taking any action against current or former players
If charged, the player would fall under the league's no-fault stand-down policy, suspending any player charged with an offence carrying a possible prison term of at least 11 years.
Under Queensland law, accused sex offenders cannot be named publicly until charged, so the NRL likely cannot stand the player down until then.
'I can't really comment on it until we know all the facts,' Abdo said.
Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski confirmed the investigation, noting its complexity.
'It may take some time to go through that,' he said.
Meanwhile, Wakeham was granted bail at Manly Local Court on Thursday but must surrender his passport and is banned from international airports.
His lawyer stated that Wakeham would fight the charges. NSW Police detective acting superintendent Richard Puffett noted Wakeham's 'active role' in a drug ring.
Abdo confirmed Wakeham's case falls under the league's authority due to his contract with a NSW Cup side. The Sea Eagles stated they would fully cooperate with the NRL integrity unit's investigation.
English (US)