Leadership Under Fire: Toby Greene’s Manager Questions $20,000 Fine
The fallout from the GWS Giants’ end-of-season celebrations continues to unfold, with captain Toby Greene facing a hefty $20,000 fine. But his manager, Paul Connors, is speaking out, wondering if the punishment fits the crime.
A Leader’s Accountability
Connors acknowledges that Greene, as captain, should have set a better example. “Toby accepts that he’s the leader of the club and he needed to be better,” he told SEN on Thursday morning. However, Connors also points out that Greene was emotionally drained after a devastating loss in the finals, and wasn’t in a state of mind to think about the consequences of his actions.
The Incident That Sparked the Investigation
The controversy stems from a post-season function, held in the week after the club’s season ended with a straight-sets finals exit. An anonymous tip alerted the club, which prompted an investigation by both the Giants and the AFL. The allegations that surfaced were deemed “distressing and entirely contrary to the club’s values and policies.”
Penalties Looming
Greene and several teammates had until Thursday morning to respond to the league, which has proposed penalties for their involvement in the incident. While the specifics are still under wraps, speculation suggests that Greene will be fined, while others may face suspension. The official penalties are expected to be announced by Friday.
A Season to Forget
The Giants’ disappointing exit from the finals, including a crushing loss to eventual premiers Brisbane, may have contributed to the team’s reckless behavior. As Connors notes, Greene was still reeling from the defeat, which makes the proposed fine seem excessive. “He’d lost a game where he was up by 44 points. He was emotionally drained and not in a state of thinking about anything.”
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