- Phil Gould fined $20,000
- Football boss attacks NRL
- It comes amid a debate over conflicts of interest.
The NRL has fined Phil Gould $20,000 for a television rant, accusing the Canterbury supremo of launching a “destructive attack” on the game.
Unhappy with Gould calling the game “stupid” on the Nine Network on Monday night, the NRL hit the Bulldogs general manager with a breach notice on Thursday.
Gould will be required to pay $10,000 to the front office, while another $10,000 will be suspended pending further violations in the next 12 months.
The former coach has long combined his role as a club official at Penrith, the Warriors and the Bulldogs with his work as a television analyst.
Concerns from rival clubs over Gould’s comments prompted a meeting between him and NRL bosses last year, but as of this week he had yet to be fined.
Phil Gould has been fined for his angry outburst on Channel 9 on Monday
Canterbury boss made surprising comments on 100% Footy show
But the NRL believes Gould crossed the line during an argument over the rules of the game.
“Our game is so stupid,” Gould said on 100% Footy.
‘You can lose the ball over the line when scoring a try, right? And they penalize you with 20 meters and seven entries. Because? I don’t know, because it’s stupid.
“But I can just take a line drop and if it cuts off completely or doesn’t make it to 10 metres, there are no consequences, nothing at all.” What kind of stupid game is this?
‘Who sits there and makes these rules?
‘Obstructors, oh, he didn’t have his eyes on the ball and he crashed into it and ran after it. Obstruction.
“Api Koroisau’s (non-)try against Brisbane, what the hell was that? What the hell was that?… We’re so stupid with our rules. Our game is stupid.”
The NRL said on Thursday the comments were detrimental to the best interests of the game.
“We welcome constructive criticism and passionate views,” NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said.
‘But registered officials cannot go overboard and make comments that are considered detrimental to the game or competition of the NRL.
‘Destructive attacks on the game itself will not be tolerated.
He criticized the decision to disallow a Wests Tigers try over the weekend.
“This is a professional sport and our leaders should set the standard around reasoned debate and respect for the game.”
Gould took to social media after receiving the breach notice to post ‘Rugby League… It’s a fun game…’ on X.
Canterbury utility player Jaeman Salmon also argued on Thursday that Gould should be able to speak freely on television.
“Gus can say whatever he wants,” Salmon said.
“He’s been around a long time and he’s in a position where he can say what he thinks.
“He’s been in rugby league for a long, long time. Whatever Gus thinks, he can say it.
Gould has until next Thursday to decide whether to accept the fine or oppose it.