NRL 2023: Warriors sponsor faces possible $1 million lawsuit for referee ‘cheat’ accusations
The Warriors sponsor who accused two NRL referees of “cheating” has been told to offer an “immediate and unreserved apology” or face a monster defamation payout.
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A leading Sydney lawyer has told One NZ’s chief executive to offer an “immediate and unreserved apology” to two NRL referees – or face a possible defamation payout worth up to $1m.
Jason Paris, CEO of the Warriors naming rights sponsor, sensationally accused referee Todd Smith and bunker review official Chris Butler of cheating against the New Zealand team during last weekend’s loss to Penrith.
And in another twist on Monday afternoon, Paris took to social media yet again to stress he does “not think NRL referees are cheating” but suggested there was “unconscious bias” against his club.
He did not apologise for his original accusations.
In an explosive social media rant over the weekend, Paris described some decisions against the Warriors in Magic Round as “cheating of the highest order.”
“He (Jason Paris) called it the worst cheating ever. By saying that, he is making this worse than Lance Armstrong, cheating scandals at the Olympics by East Germany and Russian doping scandals,” said lawyer Paul McGirr.
“He is saying because the Warriors weren’t awarded a penalty, this is worse than these particular matters.
“It appears to be defamatory to me, very much so, and it leaves very little doubt that he is referring to the person officiating the bunker (Butler) and also the referee (Smith).
“Defamation proceedings are notoriously and extremely expensive in legal fees and settlement amounts. You would want to have some concrete evidence behind you if you’re going to be accusing an official of cheating. It could cost him between $500,000 and $1m, there is no cap, depending on the damage to the reputation of the two referees.”
Paris wrote on Twitter after the game: “Are you kidding me? How biased are the @NRL bunker and referees against the @NZWarriors? Have they got money on them to lose? It’s like we are permanently against 14 on the field and they want us to play with 12 (two Warriors players were sin-binned).”
A bit of interest in my support for the mighty @NZWarriors. Just to clear things up - I do not think the @NRL referees are cheating. They come to work everyday to do their best job for the game. My comments were made in the heat of the moment as a passionate fan.
— Jason Paris (@JasonCParis) May 8, 2023
However, I do…
Replying to a fan who posted similar views, Paris said: “It’s absolutely outrageous and so incredibly frustrating. Imagine how the team feels - three games in 11 days and then this rubbish. Cheating of the highest order.”
McGirr - who has represented multiple rugby league players - was shocked at Paris’ comments and warned about legal repercussions.
“You have to consider the damage to their reputations in an officiating capacity; that makes it more serious. He (Paris) is not accusing the baker of only giving a bloke five bread rolls when he ordered six,” McGirr said.
“Their actual job is officiating and he (Paris) has accused them of blatantly cheating against the Warriors. It’s very dangerous. One way to alleviate it would be an immediate and unreserved apology, in print and the internet.
“It would be almost impossible for him to prove the allegations. It would appear to be emotion-charged and not said with common sense at all.
“It’s the equivalent of calling a detective corrupt on a public record without any solid, concrete evidence. Everyone is clear to have their own opinions but to put it in a public forum and basically accuse them of cheating is very dangerous.
“In relation to defamation proceedings, whilst you can’t defame a company, these comments are very much directed at the officials who were officiating those games.
Paris attempted to clarify his comments on Monday afternoon.
He posted: “A bit of interest in my support for the mighty Warriors. Just to clear things up - I do not think the NRL referees are cheating. They come to work every day to do their best job for the game. My comments were made in the heat of the moment as a passionate fan.
“However, I do believe that there is unconscious bias happening every week against the Warriors and it needs to be addressed. All we want is consistency, but we are not getting it.
“Take opinions out of it and analyse the video footage from past games and compare our decisions versus other teams. I think it will find that we are being disadvantaged - then we can work out why and take steps to fix it. We will always back our team.”
Paris also told SENZ radio: “We have to find a way to remove bunker decision out of the conversation just by being consistent… When you’ve got high definition video footage that you’re watching in slow mo and the NRL has been clear about what the ruling is, for example when a shoulder in a tackle hits a face or a head, then all you can expect is consistency, and I don’t think the Warriors are getting it.”
Asked whether Smith and Butler should consider legal action, McGirr said: “They would certainly look at their options. Let’s not forget this is a unique career where your actual job is officiating.”
NRL management is monitoring the developments.
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