Billy Slater's sledge to Cory Paterson revealed
WE reveal the disgraceful Billy Slater sledge against depression sufferer Cory Paterson that has forced the Melbourne fullback to issue yet another apology.
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"GO and have a cry in your room."
This is the taunt that fullback Billy Slater directed at Newcastle forward Cory Paterson last Saturday night, and which prompted the Melbourne and Australian fullback to issue yet another apology yesterday.
Having waged a long battle with depression, Paterson reacted angrily on the field when sledged by Slater during the match at EnergyAustralia Stadium.
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As Slater apologised unreservedly for the sledge, his Storm teammates jumped to his defence believing the comment was in poor taste but "hardly over the top."
The NRL yesterday discussed the matter at its weekly management meeting but did not take any further action.
Slater would not comment on what he said but did issue a statement claiming his remark was "flippant" and that he "overstepped the mark".
"I accept that in the heat of the moment on Saturday night, I overstepped the mark with a flippant comment I directed at Cory Paterson," Slater said.
"What was said was insensitive given what Cory has been through over the past 18 months.
"I called Cory yesterday afternoon to clear the air and he assured me that there was no ill-feeling between us.
"He accepted my sincerest apology and asked that we leave the issue alone. It would be insensitive to Cory for me to repeat what was said.
"The simple fact of the matter is I made an error of judgment and I intend to learn from this.
"I fully understand that depression is a serious mental health issue in Australian society and if anyone has been offended by this incident, I am deeply apologetic."
The NRL match review committee yesterday formally approached Newcastle, but the club declined to lodge a complaint.
NRL officials also noted Slater's apology. "Given those events no further action will be taken," said NRL chief operating officer Graham Annesley. "This is, however, a reminder that players can be accountable for what is said on the field.
"While there is always rivalry in the heat of battle, there is any number of areas of comment that can see a player facing a further sanction."
Acting Melbourne chief executive Matt Hanson said Slater regretted the incident.
"Billy is aware that what he said on Saturday night was inappropriate," Hanson said.
"I have personally spoken to him about the incident and accept that he deeply regrets it.
"He acknowledges that depression is a serious mental health issue in this country. As a club we intend to learn from this incident.
"We will be seeking the advice of mental health experts to further strengthen our player education programs on issues such as this."
