- The Bulldogs boss had previously criticized the NRL in a television spot
- Was fined by the governing body for his comments
- Has now had another swipe on his social media account
Phil Gould may have recently been fined for speaking out against the NRL, but that hasn’t stopped the Bulldogs boss from posting a cheeky joke about double criminal charges leveled against players this week.
It’s been a big week for NRL headquarters administrators, with an unnamed Queensland State of Origin player accused of rape but not charged.
That announcement came just hours after former Tigers and Bulldogs half Brandon Wakeham was one of three men charged on Wednesday following arrests in which police said they seized more than a kilo of MDMA.
When the individual stories appeared online, Gould posted an image of a billboard that read: “Better Call Saul! Saul Goodman Attorney’.
Phil Gould is heavily involved in the NRL, managing the Cantebury Bulldogs, commentating on television and appearing as an analyst on multiple media platforms
He posted this billboard from hit shows Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul after a current NRL player was accused of rape and a former player was arrested for drug abuse
Saul Goodman was a flashy lawyer who mainly represented criminals on popular television shows
Saul Goodman – played by American actor Bob Odenkirk – is a flashy, fast-talking lawyer from the TV shows ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘Better Call Saul.’
Known for his colorful suits and questionable ethics, he specializes in defending criminals.
Despite his questionable methods, Saul’s ingenuity and charisma make him an intriguing character.
It comes after the NRL fined Phil Gould $20,000 over a TV rant, accusing the Canterbury supremo of launching a “destructive attack” on the game.
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo described rape allegations against a Queensland player as “very serious” and confirmed the league is working with a club on an investigation.
The unnamed player has not been charged, but a formal complaint has been made to Queensland Police by a woman.
“These are clearly very serious allegations,” Abdo said.
He added: ‘We are working with the relevant parties to find out more and as we learn more we will of course be able to say more.’
Gould had previously been fined by the NRL for comments he made on Channel Nine
Wakeham was one of three men charged on Wednesday after arrests in which police said they seized more than a kilo of MDMA
NRL boss Andrew Abdo has said the league will allow ongoing investigations to take place before taking action against current or former players
If charged, the player will be subject to the league’s no-fault stand-down policy, which bans any player accused of an offense with a possible prison sentence of at least 11 years.
Under Queensland law, accused sex offenders cannot be publicly named until they have been charged, so the NRL is unlikely to be able to restrain the player until then.
“I can’t really comment on it until we know all the facts,” Abdo said.
Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski confirmed the investigation and noted its complexity.
“It may take some time for us to figure that out,” he said.
Meanwhile, Wakeham was granted bail at Manly Local Court on Thursday but must surrender his passport and is banned from international airports.
His attorney stated that Wakeham would fight the charges. NSW Police Detective Richard Puffett noted Wakeham’s “active role” in a drug ring.
Abdo confirmed Wakeham’s case falls under the league’s authority due to his contract with a NSW Cup side. The Sea Eagles said they would cooperate fully with the NRL Integrity Unit’s investigation.