LOTE Sacked

[barbarian]

I can't mention what the incident was because the allegation may be false and I would be doing Lote and his family a grave disservice to mention it.

REEEEally. It's one of THOSE incidents, eh? :

Reading you loud and clear, Lee, say no more.

 

[Gagger]

Damn I want to know as well.... it's obviously out if Cutter and LG have both heard, guess it'll show up in the press soon enough..

With both the ARU and LT staying shtumm for legal reasons the press are actually having to do some work.

 

[Lindommer]

It will be interesting to see whether Lote plays for West Harbour this weekend.

Lote had a long-standing commitment in Brisbane this weekend of which the Pirates' board were previously aware; he was never going to turn out for them today. The next few weeks may turn out to be a different matter as he may wish to show the ARU his commitment to rugby.

This tale has a few twists to turn before it's finished.

 

[Gagger]

Hilarious - journos trying to goad JO'N into spitting it out.

http://bit.ly/1aJ1Rx

 

[Spook]

Have heard what the incident was - allegedly.

It had to do with what happened after meeting the Queensland boys in Melbourne after the first State Of Origin match. This was 3 days before the Baas game; so maybe there was no problem with his being there, as he wasn't in the match day 22 against the Baas.

I can't mention what the incident was because the allegation may be false and I would be doing Lote and his family a grave disservice to mention it. But if they are true, everybody is on the wrong track, and I can understand why his contract was terminated and why the Tahs agreed with the ARU action.

The few details you have given match my "tip off" as well.

He has leprosy?

 

[Pfitzy]

Hilarious - journos trying to goad JO'N into spitting it out.

http://bit.ly/1aJ1Rx

Wasn't that article just the biggest piece of shit? "Wallaby stars angered" with one actual byte: George Smith saying he'd support his mate, not jump ship. Whoever the "anonymous" interviewee was, it stinks to high heaven like the writers are reading from the Growden Bible of Bullshit

 

[rugbywhisperer]

Hilarious - journos trying to goad JO'N into spitting it out.

http://bit.ly/1aJ1Rx

Wasn't that article just the biggest piece of shit? "Wallaby stars angered" with one actual byte: George Smith saying he'd support his mate, not jump ship. Whoever the "anonymous" interviewee was, it stinks to high heaven like the writers are reading from the Growden Bible of Bullshit

May i suggest LT's agent at work here - looks like yout typical PR rescue exercise.

 

[fatprop]

Hilarious - journos trying to goad JO'N into spitting it out.

http://bit.ly/1aJ1Rx

Wasn't that article just the biggest piece of shit? "Wallaby stars angered" with one actual byte: George Smith saying he'd support his mate, not jump ship. Whoever the "anonymous" interviewee was, it stinks to high heaven like the writers are reading from the Growden Bible of Bullshit

May i suggest LT's agent at work here - looks like yout typical PR rescue exercise.

I am sure the PR machine on both side is flat out, but I am also sure that the ruthlessness shown by the ARU may bite them in future negotiations with some players.

 

[rugbywhisperer]

As I am sure that the episode to which Lee referred is so severe that neither party wants it aired and if it is released will show the ARU being dilligent in their duties and Lote to have erred. the ARU might actually be shown to be doing the right thing by Lote's family by not saying anything.
As I said before - much will depend on the level of noise which might come from LT's corner.

 

[fatprop]

Right decision - Deans backs ARU move to dump Tuqiri

Greg Growden Chief Rugby Correspondent | July 6, 2009

WALLABIES coach Robbie Deans has fully endorsed the Australian Rugby Union for sacking Lote Tuqiri, one of the game's highest-profile players, and says the saga will not be a distraction in the lead up to this month's Bledisloe Cup match.

Commenting on suggest-ions Tuqiri's departure could fragment the Wallabies, Deans said he was confident the Australian team remained unified and "completely focused" on winning the Bledisloe Cup series, which begins in Auckland on July 18.

When contacted by the Herald last night, Deans said he supported the ARU in terminating Tuqiri's contract last week.

"I want to make clear that I was consulted during the process and I completely support the ARU's decision," Deans said. "I also fully support [ARU chief] John O'Neill's leadership on this issue.

"Obviously, I am unable to discuss Lote's actual termination but I have been concerned by how some have seized on this issue and may have attempted to use this to their advantage."

The ARU last week term-inated Tuqiri's multimillion-dollar contract. The move followed an investigation into what is understood to be a breach of Wallabies team protocol related to a recent incident at a team hotel. Tuqiri, who had been involved in several off-field misdemeanours, was believed to have been on his last warning with the ARU.

The ARU and Tuqiri have opted against providing details of what brought about his sacking because of imminent legal action.

Deans said that while it remained to be seen how the issue would affect the Wallabies, who commence a training camp in Sydney tomorrow, he was hopeful the players would not be distracted by it.

As the Wallabies are currently not together, it was impossible to gauge the mood of the group, but Deans says the team will soon be concentrating solely on the Tri Nations series.

It is understood the Wallabies squad is not aware of all the details behind Tuqiri's sudden departure.

Deans, who had a good relationship with Tuqiri, last night said he "always enjoyed working with Lote, and no one has wanted more for him to do well in the game than me".

Over the past year, Deans put an enormous amount of work into Tuqiri's game and, while overlooking him for the first three Tests this season, had not given up on him. Only a week ago Deans provided Tuqiri with some hope by explaining that if he kept doing the hard work, his opportunity would come.

"He is strong and he does intimidate," Deans said at the time.

However, with Tuqiri no longer available for selection, the wing berths for the Bledisloe Cup opener at Eden Park will be contested by Lachie Turner, Drew Mitchell and Peter Hynes. Turner and Mitchell are expected to hold on to their spots.

In his newspaper column yesterday, Tuqiri said he was "still in a state of shock" after receiving a telephone call from the ARU last Monday.

"My world was turned upside down," Tuqiri wrote. "And I didn't see it coming."

He said that due to "legal issues" he could not comment on the specific reasons why he was sacked.

"I haven't shed any tears but I don't think what's happened has really sunk in yet. I don't know what my future holds," Tuqiri said. "What I can say is that I am devastated."

 

[Gagger]

For the "it's serious" scenario:

• Dingo speaking out
• No journo prepared to risk it

For the "it's not serious" scenario:

• The ARU trying to pay him off first
• Lote's "I'm shocked" stance seeming genuine
• Lote 'going legal'

 

[Harfish]

Just to further contribute to the talk around the camp fire, it seems most in the press now know what the reason for Lote's termination probably was, but since nobody is prepared to confirm it, nobody is willing to put the story to print and risk a million dollar defamation suit if they turn out to be wrong.

Pretty sure I know too, but my professional indemnity insurance doesn't go that high to risk publishing if I'm wrong.

How's that for saying nothing in a lot of words?

 

[Juan Cote]

The picture is starting to become clearer today with News Ltd publishing allegations that a team-mate is being questioned and mentions of the Wallabies 'private-code of conduct'. This code includes alcohol tests the morning after a test (which would not concern LT) and strict rules on who is allowed to enter the rooms of the players during a test week.

I guess the drip feed is on for those in the know.....

The other scenario (and one that i am trying desperately to convice people of) may be that he broke Wallaby protcols by speaking to G&GR in the week leading up to the test!?!?!?

 

[Pfitzy]

Wait a minute... its starting to come together:

This code includes ... strict rules on who is allowed to enter the rooms of the players during a test week.

... may be that he broke Wallaby protcols by speaking the G&GR in the week leading up to the test!?!?!?

YOU'VE BEEN IN LOTE'S ROOM!!! YOU HUSSY!

 

[Groucho]

Wait a minute... its starting to come together:

This code includes ... strict rules on who is allowed to enter the rooms of the players during a test week.

... may be that he broke Wallaby protcols by speaking the G&GR in the week leading up to the test!?!?!?

YOU'VE BEEN IN LOTE'S ROOM!!! YOU HUSSY!

Hopefully not in his 'back room'. :lmao:

 

[formeropenside]

For the "it's serious" scenario:

• Dingo speaking out
• No journo prepared to risk it

For the "it's not serious" scenario:

• The ARU trying to pay him off first
• Lote's "I'm shocked" stance seeming genuine
• Lote 'going legal'

All 3 of the "not serious" scenario points can be explained , IMHO:

1. the pay off could be part of playing nice: as I lawyer I work with out workplace group on occasion, and the deals done to get someone out early often involve money and facesaving

2. LT could genuinely think he could get away with it

3. see 2 above - but note he is not saying what the offence is

 

[rugbywhisperer]

It's all very well to 'go legal' as it were, but it is another to actually actively pursue the matter - and from what I see - there isn't an awful lot of agitation and agression coming from the LT camp.
I still maintain that the matter while not being serious (criminal) there possible is a serious protocol issue that should it be divulged will be very embarassing for the LT camp, especially to his family - keeping schtuum seems to be the most appropriate way to go.

 

[RugbyReg]

So summarising our 'guesses':

- it involves some of the QLD SoO team. - it is legal
- its something the leaguies are more known for.
- its broken an ARU code of conduct rule.
- a room mate may be involved.

I'm thinking a group sex session in his room.

 

[formeropenside]

So summarising our 'guesses':

- it involves some of the QLD SoO team. - it is legal
- its something the leaguies are more known for.
- its broken an ARU code of conduct rule.
- a room mate may be involved.

I'm thinking a group sex session in his room.

Who's his roomy?

If it's a Force player, then a Quokka may be involved.

 

[Scarfman]

Just to note that Noddy is speculating based on permutations of almost negligible evidence, and as such, his opinion should be regarded as a wild guess.

:angel: