[Mild Rover]

Re: Minns : Wed Apr 18, 2018 10:08 pm  

Jake the Peg wrote:

Mitigating circumstances? Do we all resort to class A drugs when we're feeling a bit down?

Not all, but a lot of people do use illegal substances to cope with emotional issues and stress. Doesn’t mean they’re wise to do so, and most aren’t professional sportspeople subject to testing.

Jake the Peg wrote:

He needs the same ban as hardaker.

I agree, there’s a strong case for consistency.

Jake the Peg wrote:

These players are role models for kids and should act appropriately but unfortunately the average pro rugby player doesn't seem to have the brains he was probably born with.

I suppose we have to forgive children for being childish. But this surely reflects as much the failings of parents to properly explain a simple concept, as it does the daftness of many RL players.

Jake the Peg wrote:

I hope he gets the right support but he deserves a lengthy ban.

Interesting that the RFU have given a player a 4 year ban for steroid use. Good on them for taking a strong stance

I agree there’s a need for a mix of strength/consistency and compassion. And on steroids particularly, education and reflection. The extent to which steroids damage the health of users, I don’t think is as widely understood as it should be. Nor is the extent to which pro athletes are under pressure to deliver. Weighing short or medium term economic incentives against long-term health consequences, and reputational and moral implications isn’t easy. We all have to do it at times, but it is much more intense for rugby players.

Re: Minns : Thu Apr 19, 2018 3:07 am  

Bad news for him and the club.Reading both statements it's hard not to sympathise but also I can see why many don't agree Said after Hardaker incident just how rife Coke use is in modern day life and there are many more who indulge from top international down to amateur game.Its just part of a night out for many lads n lasses beywen17 and 40s. Bad situation and i like Minns as a player.Will the mitigating circumstances be a factor? Probably not but if it is 1st time it's a hell of a price to pay but I guess with drug use in sport you can't really have grey areas? Just sad for the lad is my first reaction

Re: Minns : Thu Apr 19, 2018 7:10 am  

I Lost my brother and dad in a relatively short space of time, i got depressed and am still taking Prozac, we have to realize we are all human and deal with things in very different ways, Thomas made the wrong decision, but he dosn't need to be hung, drawn and quartered - He has my sympathy, and he will pay the price for his indiscretion, as will the club on the field.

Re: Minns : Thu Apr 19, 2018 8:18 am  

Thomas Minns said:

“I want to personally apologise to everyone involved who I have let down and disappointed.

“I admit to taking a banned substance on Mothers’ Day 2018, which was a hugely difficult day for me following the passing of my mother last year.

“I was low and depressed on the day and I felt at the time I needed to do it to get through. I now totally accept that it was huge mistake which could cost me my career.

“I can now only ask for forgiveness and for my arguments of mitigation to be heard and understood.

“I do not wish for sympathy. All I ask is that I am listened to and I can make everyone aware that I did not take this substance to enhance my performance at rugby in anyway.”

I don't buy any of that statement from Minns . He lost his Mother , so he is now saying he took the substance on Mothers day 2018 , this sounds like a sympathy vote to me . I've lost various family members over the years , but I didn't do any snow or weed , whatever he took . I'm guessing snow as its part of society now . He will play the depression card too, no excuses he has been caught , period.

Lets face facts most players will be doing every week , they just take the risk of getting caught .

Re: Minns : Thu Apr 19, 2018 9:15 am  

Mild Rover wrote:

Not all, but a lot of people do use illegal substances to cope with emotional issues and stress. Doesn’t mean they’re wise to do so, and most aren’t professional sportspeople subject to testing.

I agree, there’s a strong case for consistency.

I suppose we have to forgive children for being childish. But this surely reflects as much the failings of parents to properly explain a simple concept, as it does the daftness of many RL players.

I agree there’s a need for a mix of strength/consistency and compassion. And on steroids particularly, education and reflection. The extent to which steroids damage the health of users, I don’t think is as widely understood as it should be. Nor is the extent to which pro athletes are under pressure to deliver. Weighing short or medium term economic incentives against long-term health consequences, and reputational and moral implications isn’t easy. We all have to do it at times, but it is much more intense for rugby players.

Define "a lot"

I cannot agree with you on this. You'd only know that if you had arrest records or were personally told may "a lot" of people.

Re: Minns : Thu Apr 19, 2018 9:33 am  

Defining a lot may be challenging as you are correct to state, however I don't think its a jump to conclude a quite high percentage of people struggling with issues do turn to substances.

Whether that be alcohol, cocaine or worse it doesn't really matter - substance relief is very prevalent. Doesn't make it right, and as a professional sports person he needs to make better decisions.

What Minns is saying may be completely true, maybe a one off, however he still had that decision to make and made the wrong one and should pay the consequences. I do hope the club/RFL support him even outside of his contract and I think they have a moral contribution to do so.

Just feels a shame as he seems a decent, genuine lad. Wouldn't fit into the same mould as a chase/walker/hock who all have questionable traits as people. But he deserves to be dealt with exactly the same.

Good job vaivai's debut was so promising then, takes some of the heat off!

Re: Minns : Thu Apr 19, 2018 9:36 am  

If what I'm hearing is true Minns won't be the last player from our club getting a ban I'm not naming names but Oakes or Moss may be getting some game time soon

Re: Minns : Thu Apr 19, 2018 9:38 am  

He snort to have known better.

Re: Minns : Thu Apr 19, 2018 10:41 am  

robin4ever wrote:

I Lost my brother and dad in a relatively short space of time, i got depressed and am still taking Prozac, we have to realize we are all human and deal with things in very different ways, Thomas made the wrong decision, but he dosn't need to be hung, drawn and quartered - He has my sympathy, and he will pay the price for his indiscretion, as will the club on the field.

Without going in to details I have issues the same as you. The problem is that when something like this happens some people play the mental health card as convenient excuse which leads to scepticism and I can fully understand that. If Minns's excuse is genuine and there's nothing to say it isn't he'll need all the help he can get from the club and RL state of mind.

Re: Minns : Thu Apr 19, 2018 10:49 am  

fun time frankie wrote:

If what I'm hearing is true Minns won't be the last player from our club getting a ban I'm not naming names but Oakes or Moss may be getting some game time soon

That certainly narrows it down!