I repeat the point already made: May's problems do not end with the obligation to take indefinite leave. That's because, despite the fact that at the end of March this year he signed a two-year, $1.2 million extension to his contract with the Panthers to remain at the foot of the Blue Mountains until the end of the season 2026, moves are currently being made to continue this arrangement in a heated debate.
Specifically, the Panthers have reportedly issued May a notice under his playing contract, alleging other breaches, which included posting objectionable social media posts and filming himself as a passenger in a speeding car
Stopping there, a couple of observations are in order. First, while the Dragons stood by Belin throughout his interactions with the criminal justice system, it is perhaps inevitable that many clubs would prefer not to be so loyal, such is the reputational stain and financial consequence. of having a player on your books. that he really can't play.
What would a club do if they had three players suspended in these circumstances? what about five
There is only so much elasticity in the rubber band that is the NRL's salary cap, even taking into account the moderate dispensations that could be offered.
Second, all NRL players are bound by the terms of standard player contracts, which means they must adhere to the NRL code of conduct and principles such as not acting prejudicial to the best interests and game image It is not surprising that some clubs take their own actions, regardless of the adverse effect on a player's rights.
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Third, although all NRL clubs have, built into the standard playing agreement, the right to issue a default notice to their players on allegations of breach of contract, the notion of a club that “rips” a player's contract is fanciful.
May is entitled to due process to be notified of the alleged violations, the details of those alleged violations, and the evidence relied upon by the Panthers. He has the right to present evidence and make submissions in his defense, through the lawyers he instructs. You have the right to have decisions made about your future work in a way that the decision was not made before you entered the courtroom.
Fourth, to any extent that May's allegations of misconduct relate to the period before he and his employer signed a contract extension on 22 March 2024, it is difficult to see how the club could rely on these allegations as reasons to sanction him if he knew about them. the alleged misconduct when this agreement was signed.
Fifthly, the sanctions that could eventually be imposed on May must be remittable and proportionate to any specific fault that has been demonstrated against him. As idiotic as it is to sit in the passenger seat of an Audi R8 while your colleague red flags him as he passes through a school zone, and as idiotic as it is to film the entire escapade, is that a dismissal offense?
I'd dare say no, despite the stupidity of the whole episode. The Panthers board of directors may take a contrary view, which is their right if a procedurally fair process plays out that way. The problem, however, is that the board could be perceived as designing a definite endpoint based on the limited material it can consider.
It's also a big deal for May, because it's highly unlikely he'd make a high six-figure salary anywhere else.
