OPINION: No choice but to rub Pearce out of the NRL

HOW would you react if you paid someone a six-figure sum to represent your brand and they were caught on video engaged in lewd acts with a dog?

Mitchell Pearce during State of Origin training at Coffs Harbour last year. Picture: Gemima Harvey

HOW would you react if you paid someone a six-figure sum to represent your brand and they were caught on video engaged in lewd acts with a dog?

The Mitchell Pearce incident - the one with the pooch, not the one with the yellow dress - is an all-time low.

The NRL and the Sydney Roosters have no choice but to rub him out of the game for at least 12 months.

I'll never understand how league fans can forgive inexcusable actions like those from Pearce.

— Matthew McInerney (@MMcInerney89) January 27, 2016

For those who have not seen or read about the video, a dangerously intoxicated Pearce urinated on himself and a lounge, tried to kiss a woman (but was rebuffed), and simulated a sexual act with a dog.

The whole incident was recorded on a mobile phone (and sold for quite the sum to media outlets), and is now in the public arena for all to see.

Pearce has since been stood down from training, and early reports indicate the Rooster will be slapped with a hefty fine, stripped of his captaincy and suspended for six matches by his club.

The NRL should kick him out of the game for at least 12 months.

The NRL has to come down hard on Pearce. There is absolutely no way he can get through this.

— Matthew McInerney (@MMcInerney89) January 27, 2016

Rugby league is (sadly, for its fans) no stranger to lewd, indecent, disgusting scandals.

From Todd Carney's long list of indiscretions to Joel Monaghan's own lewd canine simulation in 2010, just about anyone could name one or two scandals to rock the NRL.

Imagine paying someone six figures to represent your brand/company, and everything that comes with it, then you see them do that.

— Matthew McInerney (@MMcInerney89) January 27, 2016

A large number of players are allowed to continue playing after these incidents, but when will the NRL decide enough is enough?

Pearce is paid six figures to play rugby league for his club and state, and with that comes a responsibility to not only be a face for the brands, but, whether you like it or now, to be a role model.

The NRL may not pay his wages but he is representative of the brand, and his image is tarnished beyond repair after this.

— Matthew McInerney (@MMcInerney89) January 27, 2016

How would you react?

If it was my business, his desk/locker would be cleaned out for him and he would never set a foot in the building again.

Rugby league is already hard enough to defend. Please, NRL, don't make it harder for your fans.