The Dylan Napa leaked videos have polarised the Rugby League community.
Many fans see Napa as the victim of revenge porn and point out it's not him that has done anything wrong. Others find the whole episode as another huge stain on the game in what has been an offseason from hell.
Confronted in a press conference Napa was trying to be contrite and what sounded to be a crafted attempt to make sure he mentioned the woman in his life that he had respect for woman.
He couldn't confirm if there are more videos yet to be seen. From the videos posted, he hasn't committed any crime or potentially put anyone in harm's way.
Some will say the only damage done is the embarrassment Napa must feel. Unfortunately, the biggest damage is to the reputation of the game and the NRL brand.
At no time in the history of the game has there been so much competition to attract corporate sponsorship and to gain new fans young and old, male and female.
At the same time, there has never been such drama off the field.
If you have seen any footage of the BBL you see young kids having the time of their lives watching their cricket heroes. Sitting next to them is mum and dad enjoying the cricket, hard money earned well spent.
Yes, cricket took a hit with the ball tampering but off the field, it is very seldom you hear of any scandal. Optus, KFC, IINet, Mazda, Rebel to name a few have invested sponsorship into the competition.
Crowd numbers and TV ratings have been a revelation over the past few years. AFL, A-League, Netball, Rugby Union all compete to attract fans and sponsors. Corporations want their brand to represent their values.
When the NRL continues to hit the headlines for domestic violence, assaults, crazy antics of Mad Monday and alleged sexual assault, corporations will place their sponsorship with other less controversial sports.
The NRL and clubs spend a lot of money and time to educate all players about the dangers of social media. That if they are compromised it may end up on social media which damages the NRL, the Clubs and the player's reputation.
After an offseason full of non-stop drama, the NRL has drawn a line in the sand and said enough! Unfortunately, for Napa, this means he will face suspension.
I believe the person or persons responsible should face criminal charges for releasing the videos without Napa's consent.
For Napa, I don't personally feel any sympathy. The videos were made with him as a willing participant. The content would assume to be made to show off to mates for a laugh.
By doing so and sharing he compromised himself for what now has transpired. It would need to be asked what else is out there and do the people shown on the videos know they were being filmed.
What people do behind closed doors is their own business. However, the videos had an air of racking up sexual conquest and to outdo one another. Hardly a theme that resonates with female fans, mums and dads.
I understand these were made when he was very young. I understand for Bulldogs fans the frustration that they are getting punished when the episodes were made whilst playing for the Roosters.
If Napa is punished then the NRL should look into the culture of the Roosters and if it is exposed this was a known and collective Team or competition engagement others should be sanctioned as well.
To say Napa has done nothing wrong is incorrect. By ignoring NRL rules and advice and making and being involved with the videos exposed him and has brought the game into disrepute. Albeit that the videos were posted without consent.
What influence these videos have on individual fans and corporations is unknown. Families will continue to enjoy other sports who's image is more sanitised and drama free. Sports where kids don't have to ask parents what a porno is.
This said I believe other incidents such as DUI and other social media activities over the past few months are just as damaging and the NRL needed to be as diligent and forthcoming as the Napa videos!
I am sure there are many who disagree with mine and potentially the NRL view.
As always please be respectful of all views.