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OTD: Israel Folau finds himself in hot water again
Rugby Australia and New South Wales Waratahs terminated Israel Folau’s contract over discriminatory social media posts on this day in 2019.
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The then 30-year-old was warned about his behaviour the year before, but avoided any disciplinary action, for making homophobic comments on his social media channels.
Folau was reminded of his social media obligations by RA chief executive Raelene Castle and there were also threats from sponsors of the Australian national team that they would withdraw support following his posts.
An RA statement read: “As a code we have made it clear to Israel formally and repeatedly that any social media posts or commentary that is in any way disrespectful to people because of their sexuality will result in disciplinary action.
“In the absence of compelling mitigating factors, it is our intention to terminate his contract.
“Whilst Israel is entitled to his religious beliefs, the way in which he has expressed these beliefs is inconsistent with the values of the sport. We want to make it clear that he does not speak for the game with his recent social media posts.
“Israel has failed to understand that the expectation of him as a Rugby Australia and NSW Waratahs employee is that he cannot share material on social media that condemns, vilifies or discriminates against people on the basis of their sexuality.”
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In this latest incident, a message published on Folau’s Instagram account read that “hell awaits” for “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists, idolators”.
Folau said on Instagram: “Those that are living in Sin will end up in Hell unless you repent. Jesus Christ loves you and is giving you time to turn away from your sin and come to him.”
Folau featured in 73 Tests for Australia and was signed with the Waratahs for another three years in a deal that ran till 2022, but had his contract terminated early.
The ex-Melbourne Storm, Brisbane Broncos and Catalans Dragons full-back now plays for Japan Rugby League One club Urayasu D-Rocks and represents Tonga at international level under a new rule that allows him to represent the country of his parents’ birth.
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I clicked on page 100 by accident yesterday. I would find a article on topics gone off page 100 (write them up the day before etc), with many are RPs old asian theme, much more interesting that OTD articles (why on earth would anyone care what happened on this day, you don’t even look back on it and say he’s been clean “so RA made the wrong call, influenced by x Qantas chairman etc).
Look, you’ve even confused all your readers lol
So an old story about IF’s personal beliefs and his exit from RA is relevent today - why??? Personal campaign against the man? Get off the witch hunt.
Who is he in hot water with? Should the title be: “may be in hot water again?”
I mean, if he was in hot water again - would there not be a quote from someone who he is in hot water with?
Maybe the article title should be: “Bigotted Israel is at it again”.
Then cover the portion about how stupid he is for getting in hot water and then posting the same thing again on Instagram.
Ending with,”will he get into hot water again? Time will tell”.
Seriously though, what a disappointing person.
We should confiscate peoples
Phones from them if they don’t know how to work social media.
Probably got an offer for more money somewhere else or wants to come home. He’s not stupid.