We’re witnessing something pretty spectacular in the news this week. An athlete at the top of his game, throwing it all away; the money, the popularity, integrity, the respect of his colleagues… the lot.
Rugby Australia has signalled its intention to sack star player Israel Folau, after the 30-year-old shared a meme to social media that declares “hell awaits” those who “are living in sin”; among those damned souls (according to the meme, that is) are gay people, those who drink alcohol, lie and fu… sorry, ‘fornicate’.
RA’s move is strong, swift, admirable. But it’s also a move that has played right into the centre’s hands, allowing him and his supporters to cry “free speech”, to use the backlash from the public and the sport as another example of what they perceive to be an ongoing attack on conservatism.
Indeed, despite public condemnation from rugby bosses, much of the public, even Wallabies Vice-Captain Will Genia, Folau is reportedly fighting the attempt to tear up his $4 million contract on the grounds that the views expressed in the meme are deeply held and stem from his religious beliefs. The posts also remain live on his Instagram and Twitter accounts.
It seems this is the hill Israel Folau is prepared for his career to die on:
Of course, Israel Folau absolutely can believe whatever he likes, as deeply as he likes. He can cling to ancient theories about who is and isn’t destined to take post-death trip to the other, much-hotter Down Under.
But the reality is that when he spouts such harmful, bigotry in the public domain, he, too, has consequences to face.
Rugby Australia has an official Code of Conduct to which all professional players are bound. And according to RA, Folau’s comments on social media represent “a high-level breach of his contract”.
“Following the events of last year, Israel was warned formally and repeatedly about the expectations of him as player for the Wallabies and NSW Waratahs with regards to social media use and he has failed to meet those obligations,” Rugby Australia Chief Executive, Raelene Castle said in a statement.
“It was made clear to him that any social media posts or commentary that is in any way disrespectful to people because of their sexuality will result in disciplinary action.”
By doubling down, Israel Folau clearly feels that his responsibility to his faith trumps any contractual or professional responsibilities. And that’s his choice.
But what about his responsibility as a decent, purportedly loving human being? As a man with the platform to influence?
He could spread his message (or His message, as the case may be) for the benefit of the community, rather than inciting fear, perpetuating shame and tearing down bridges so many have worked so hard to build.
Meanwhile, rugby fans – and sadly, young, gay rugby fans – have had to watch on as the whole grubby, bitter saga unfolds, threatening the name of the sport, which has a reputation far cleaner than other Australian footballing codes. See while they have ‘a culture problem’, or even ‘a woman problem’, Rugby Union has an Israel Folau problem.
And the sooner they’re free of it, the better.
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Top Comments
Can we just cancel rugby now? I can’t believe this ridiculous organisation is still running when the whole of kings cross was shut down because a few people were killed. By that standard the first rape case should have been the end of all of this.
At the start of this latest incident I fully supported Izzy losing his job but the more this condemnation gets over the top I am starting to move onto his side on this.
He didn't single out homosexuals, they weren't even number one on the list.
Everything he said was a tenant of his faith, and hardly a secret to anyone who made it past primary school.
It is starting to seem like tall poppy syndrome and faux outrage then genuine concern for the impact on our rainbow community
Yes, he singled out homosexuals, along with a number of other groups. However, of all the groups he singled out, homosexuals are the ones who cop a great deal of discrimination, marginalisation and outright hate for simply existing. As a proud "fornicator" myself, I don't feel the sting of being singled out, because my fornication has never been condemned or judged by the community in which I live - I've never suffered negativity in my life because of being a fornicator. Same can't be said for people who identify as being gay - they still haven't achieved fairness, acceptance and equality.
It could also be just as much faux outrage from people defending him too. It's hardly a secret if you breach your contract, you can lose it.
Surely there are bigger issues than whether a footy player keeps his $4 Million Wallabies contract in Australia or accepts a $6 Million Toulon contract in France.
Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.