Gallen’s $50K Twitter Bomb Fine Has Ripple Effect In NRL Office

Channel 9 Footy Show favourite Beau Ryan describes it best when he does his player impersonations.” I’m Paul Gallen and I’m Angry” And the G-Train certainly is steaming after being hit with a $50,000 fine by the NRL for an offensive tweet last week. It was far from a slap on the wrist and the fallout is continuing as high profile names support the embattled Sharks Skipper in some extraordinary manners. It’s led to a job vacancy in the NRL and many questioning was the board’s reaction too harsh.

Gallen’s Twitter Tirade Turns Ugly

Gallen’s social media outburst was in regards to the ASADA handling and Steve Noyce’s departure as Cronulla chief executive. The 33 year old tweeted this controversial statement.

“Steve Noyce (sic) actually cared about the players from Cronulla’s feelings. Couldn’t say that about any other c— at the NRL”.

Well he threw the line in the water and the fish bit hard! Gallen was soon slapped with a 50,000 dollar fine and suspended from representing Australia next year, unless he undergoes a leadership course. The Blues Captain admitted he’d done wrong swiftly issuing a public apology, choosing his words much more wisely than that of his tweet.

“I would like to apologise to anyone I offended in my tweet yesterday and to anyone who took offence to the language I used,” Gallen wrote.

“I realise in the position I am in, this was unacceptable.”

Despite his apology Gallen will appeal the fine, and his tough talk has returned.

“It’s unbelievable – I’ve got to fight it. The last time I didn’t fight something regretted it; I will this time.”

“How can they justify it? Blokes get fined $10,000 for assault. Others have been arrested and not been fined anything.”

Gallen Gets Support from High Profile Names

The NRL’s handling over the incident has come under fire, with criticism not only coming from fans but also some big names in the game. It was enough to push one of their own out the door. Long standing Judiciary chairman Paul Conlon quit over the punishment handed out to Gallen. The highly respected District Court judge, who’d spent 7 years in the role believed the fine to be “grossly unfair.” A statement he’s believed to have made very clear in his resignation letter.

“My role as judiciary chairman involves ensuring that charged players rights are protected and that they receive a fair and just hearing.

“I have never witnessed a penalty more disproportionate to the offending conduct than that dealt out to Paul Gallen.

Gallen had another big hitter in his corner after NSWRL chairman George Peponis, showed his support for the Blues hard man despite the board reportedly being under pressure from head office to strip Gallen of his New South Wales Captaincy. It left a sour taste in the ARL board’s mouth with Commission chairman John Grant issuing a please explain to one of the most respected figures in the game.

Gallant Gallen’s Tough Trot

While Queenslanders cry ‘ban him for life’ others fans feel sorry for Gallen who’s had a tough run of it in recent months. Finally suspended after a long and drawn out ASADA ordeal, where his chances of playing were revoked when he was banned from the Four Nations tournament and ruled ineligible to win the Brad Fittler Medal as the Blues’ best player in this year’s historic Origin series win. He also saw his club claim the dreaded wooden spoon for the first time since 1969. Gallen has admitted he’s suffering from depression but has yet to discuss the details of his struggles publically, although he’s determined to talk about it when the time is right.

Right now Paul’s punching the bags as he prepares to step into the ring against former team mate Anthony Watts. The showdown is on the undercard of Danny Geale’s IBF Pan Pacific middleweight title fight on December 3. But it’s his fight with the NRL that’s stealing all the headlines. With his appeal date on the horizon he’ll be hoping to land a knockout blow, after what some feel was a below the belt shot from the games big wigs.