What A Disgrace Australian Rugby League Has Become

I was amazed what we are letting into our football codes now. I know in all footy codes there are troublesome players but rugby league seems 2 have the cream of the crop at the moment. Besides drug addicts being named immortals, drunks urinating in public and falling asleep outside cop shops, alleged rapists and disloyal players. We now have a new type to add to the incresingly growing list, Glassers they have been called. This particular piece of work bashed his girlfriend with a broken glass and she could lose the sight in her eye because of this moron and dirty player. Honestly what else can the NRL do? I know they can't screen every player that has pulled on a boot for the code but they need to do something cause this guy who did it has represented NSW and Australia and is supposed to be a role model for kids. What kind of message is this guy sending across to kids? That it's ok to bash women? That it's ok to lie about it?

This is an article from the age I found.

Bird stood down indefinitely by Sharks

August 25, 2008 - 5:44PM

Cronulla five-eighth Greg Bird has been stood down indefinitely by the Sharks pending further investigation of an alleged assault at his apartment.

Sharks chief executive Tony Zappia said it was highly unlikely Bird would play in the NRL again this season with the international pivot due back in court on October 8.

Bird was on Monday granted strict conditional bail after facing Sutherland Local Court charged with assaulting girlfriend Katie Milligan.

Milligan, 24, suffered a fractured eye socket when she allegedly was hit in the face with a glass on Sunday morning at Bird's Cronulla apartment, in Sydney's south.

"Considering the allegations that have been made concerning an incident said to involve Greg Bird, the club will be standing Greg Bird down for an indefinite period of time," Sharks chief executive Tony Zappia said.

"The club does not want to prejudge Greg until we have had an opportunity to meet with him and his legal counsel face-to-face, however we are mindful that the allegations made by police prosecution at this point in time are extremely serious.

"Whether to stand him down or sack him were always considerations for the club and the board and the coaching staff.

"At this point in time, we don't have all the facts and obviously it's important that we do have all the facts before any further action is determined."

The NRL supports the actions of the club.

"These are very serious allegations against the player," NRL chief executive David Gallop said.

"At this stage the best solution for all parties is that the legal process is allowed to unfold with Greg off the field.

"We acknowledge that the club is taking the matter extremely seriously."

Meanwhile, court documents allege that Bird pressured his flatmate to take the fall for him after allegedly glassing his girlfriend in the face.

Bird has alleged his flatmate Brent Watson was responsible for his girlfriend's injuries, prompting police to accuse him of lying.

"The accused person ... is actively trying to deceive police by inferring other people were involved in the matter," Prosecutor, Acting Sergeant Matt Zalunardo told Sutherland Local Court on Monday.

He said it appeared Bird was trying to "pin the offence" on someone else.

Ms Milligan, a 24-year-old American, remains in Prince of Wales Hospital where she is expected to undergo surgery for cuts to her face and a fractured eye socket.

A police statement of facts tendered to the court said neighbours awoke to a shouting match between Bird and Milligan about 7.30am (AEST) Sunday - behaviour they said "was a regular occurrence".

They allegedly heard Ms Milligan crying then saw the couple leave the unit with Ms Milligan holding a bloody towel to her face.

Ms Milligan allegedly said: "Why did you do this to me?"

Bird allegedly responded: "I didn't do it", and she countered by saying: "Yes, you did."

The court was told the couple told hospital staff and police that Mr Watson threw a glass at Ms Milligan, which smashed across her face.

They alleged an argument erupted in the main bedroom between Ms Milligan, Mr Watson and an unnamed male.

Bird allegedly told police that when he entered the bedroom, his girlfriend was already bloodied and there was broken glass on the floor.

However, a neighbour told police that only Bird and Ms Milligan's voices were audible and the apartment was vacant when the pair left.

Mr Watson has told police he left the Boorima Place unit by 6.35am Sunday, with numerous people confirming he was at Bankstown golf club by 7.15am.

Mr Watson allegedly said he was on the 18th tee when he noticed six missed calls and two text messages from Bird.

"Don't answer your phone - life or death," one of the messages from Bird read.

The court documents said Mr Watson then rang Bird who told him: "Something has happened to Katie - it was an accident. There is blood everywhere in the unit. We have told the police it was you. How do you feel about that?"

Bird allegedly urged him to meet a solicitor who subsequently instructed Mr Watson not to talk to anyone.

However, the police facts said Mr Watson rang Bird, saying he was "uncomfortable with this. I am going to the police".

That same evening, Bird attended Miranda police station with his solicitor who said his client would not be participating in an interview.

Bird was granted bail by Magistrate Bev Schurr on Monday, who ordered he comply with the conditions of an interim apprehended violence order (AVO) issued on Sunday.

It forbids him from making contact with Ms Milligan, Mr Watson or any neighbours.

Bird was released from custody on a $5,000 surety on Monday afternoon but did not comment as he left the court.

The matter was adjourned for mention in Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court on October 8 - three days after the NRL grand final.

This is the picture of the man who thinks it's great to do all these things

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HEIGHT: 181cm
WEIGHT: 102kg

Against a 24 year old girl who would be lucky to weigh about 70kg's I say what a lovely piece of work you are boy.