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World reacts to sacked Cronulla Sharks star Todd Carney over ‘bubbling’ photo

NRL great Andrew Johns has stood up for Todd Carney, but the world of social media hasn’t been so kind to the troubled star.

Cameron TomarchioCameron Tomarchio
@cam_tomarchio
3 min read
June 30, 2014 - 9:18AM
Shark's Todd Carney injured hamstring during the Cronulla Sutherland Sharks vs North Queensland Cowboys at Allianz Stadium , Moore Park .Picture Gregg Porteous
Shark's Todd Carney injured hamstring during the Cronulla Sutherland Sharks vs North Queensland Cowboys at Allianz Stadium , Moore Park .Picture Gregg Porteous

WHEN you do what Todd Carney did, you need to expect a bit of heat on social media and the like.

But not everyone has it in for the sacked NRL bad boy.

This is the best of the reaction to former Cronulla Sharks star’s “bubbling” incident. In case you don’t know, bubbling is the act of urinating into one’s own mouth.

THE NRL GREAT

ANDREW Johns is firmly of the belief Carney still has a future in the NRL, despite this latest lewd photo and a string of incidents throughout his career.

“He is such a good player he will get another chance for sure,” Johns said on Triple M.

Speaking on The Sunday Footy Show, Johns also said the Sharks should not have dumped him over the incident.

“Surely they couldn’t sack him for that,’’ Johns said. “It’s silly ... it’s stupid (but) he is only doing it to himself.”

MORE: What is ‘bubbling’?

MORE: Carney pic a setup, agent claims

Andrew Johns does not believe Todd Carney should have been sacked.
Andrew Johns does not believe Todd Carney should have been sacked.

THE TEAMMATES

SHARKS skipper Paul Gallen was among the players to head to Todd Carney’s house today to offer moral support.

“Yeah I’ve spoken to him, it’s a tough time for everyone,” Gallen said.

The Sharks cancelled this morning’s training session after a meeting with players, who

were reportedly “not in the right head space” to train.

THE TWITTERATI

WE’VE left out the more graphic tweets — and there are plenty — but these are the best ones we can publish.

(The tweet above is not the real David Stratton. It’s a parody account.)

THE NRL PLAYERS

WESTS Tigers veteran Braith Anasta, who played with Carney during his time at the Roosters in 2011, told Channel 7: “I love the guy. He is a great footy player, unfortunately he puts himself in, um, some tricky situations.”

Dragons flyer Peter Mata’utia was more concerned about the person who “leaked” the photo than the act itself.

Braith Anasta (R) says Carney has knack of putting himself in “tricky” situations.
Braith Anasta (R) says Carney has knack of putting himself in “tricky” situations.

THE AGENT

CARNEY’S agent David Riolo hit out at Cronulla for not giving the star playmaker a chance to defend himself before he was given the flick.

“This decision is indicative of where Cronulla has been in recent times and their organisation from board level down,” Riolo told Fairfax.

“I’m not defending the photo or anything like that but I think he deserved an opportunity to at least front the board to put forward a statement on his own behalf before they terminated a five-year contract.”

He also claimed the pic was a setup.

“It’s a setup, like when people stand in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa,” Riolo said.

Todd Carney (R) and his manager David Riolo.
Todd Carney (R) and his manager David Riolo.

THE CEO

SHARKS boss Steve Noyce, who was also forced to act on Carney’s disciplinary issues while at the Roosters, said yesterday: “I have spoken to Todd several times today and obviously it is a difficult situation for him. It is difficult for all of us, but clubs have to have high standards.”

Sharks boss Steve Noyce.
Sharks boss Steve Noyce.

THE FORMER CEO

EX-SHARKS boss Damian Irvine hit out at the game’s culture, after Cronulla skipper Paul Gallen said he belted then-teammate Beau Ryan on Mad Monday.

THE SHARKS

CRONULLA released a statement Sunday confirming it had terminated Carney’s $3.5 million, five-year contract.

“When Todd was first signed to the Sharks he was made well aware of his responsibilities both on and off the field, to himself, the club and to the game in general, however the photograph that appeared [Saturday] night on social media does not meet the values and standards the club is looking to uphold and take into the future,” the statement read.

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Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/world-reacts-to-sacked-cronulla-sharks-star-todd-carney-over-bubbling-photo/news-story/eb972b53572acf139fff66f8ab5842d7