Israel Folau’s Rugby Australia victory a win for free speech and democracy
Israel Folau’s victory is a win for free speech and democracy. The former Wallaby fought, and won, against an organisation that battered him from pillar to post all while simply standing up for what he believes in, writes DEAN RITCHIE.
Rugby
Don't miss out on the headlines from Rugby. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Bravo Izzy, a victory for free speech and democracy.
The bullies can go to hell.
Rugby Australia’s out-of-court settlement with Israel Folau clearly demonstrates no sporting body has the right nor arrogance to muzzle a person’s religious beliefs.
How dare a sporting body think they can vilify and sack a young man for airing his personal views?
Do I necessarily agree with some of Folau’s left-field ideologies? No.
Should he be permitted to express them? Absolutely.
The PC brigade was out in numbers to hunt down Folau. They wanted blood.
Well, Rugby Australian paid Folau what is believed to be a substantial sum and apologised.
It took enormous courage and gumption from Folau to stand up to Rugby Australia.
Under excruciating pressure, Folau was berated, reviled and belittled.
But he stuck solid to his faith.
MORE SPORT NEWS
Latrell Mitchell contract news: Luke Keary insists Roosters players love unsettled star
Expert warns NRL concussion crisis could be as widespread as NFL
Why Channel 9 won’t show rugby league caller Matt Thompson’s face
Rugby Australia – like all major sporting organisations – should worry about administering their crumbling game and not interfere with a player’s religious views.
RA shouldn’t play politics. It’s not their charter. We live in a country where governments cannot control what people think, say or do.
Believing their power over players was limitless, RA became over-opinionated, egotistical and pompous.
The embarrassment of apologising to Folau — “for any hurt or harm caused to the Folaus” — must have stung more than any loss to the All Blacks.
Folau said he did not condone discrimination.
Maybe now, after Wednesday’s development, RA should take the same stance.
I’d love Folau to now say he wants a return to playing rugby. Then we can all sit back and watch RA squirm with embarrassment.
Would a battered RA have the guts to deny Folau’s return after the ruling?
They certainly wouldn’t want to be left humiliated yet again.
Originally published as Israel Folau’s Rugby Australia victory a win for free speech and democracy
Just outstanding! The young guns on fire in Waratahs v Reds U15 battle
It’s a taste of things to come, a critical showcase for rising stars of rugby and the annual battle between the NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds under 15s did not disappoint. Stars, photos
Rugby history! Australia’s rare result on New Zealand soil ‘special’
Rugby’s U18s rising stars have done something few other Aussie teams have managed in recent times - completing a shock and awe mission across the ditch for two wins. Stars, result wrap