Originally Posted by
Lowdown
You were making some good points..until you fell into the trap (like everyone else) of calling an event (which may or may not have happened like you 'think' it did) a FACT.
The only FACT is is that the full story of what transpired is not obvious to all.
Through the media, and media releases, we know that the Melbourne Storm have gone on record, confirming that they checked with both (a) Steve Turner and (b) the NRL as to the existence of a signed, and submitted Contract. There was, obviously, none (FACT). NRL guidelines require an NRL contract to be submitted within 10 business days (FACT). The Titans had not submitted a contract, and the Storm felt it was justifiable to re-sign Turner.
Subsequently, when this became pubic knowledge, the Titans supplied evidence to the NRL, which Gallop reviewed and determined (read: applied his own interpretation, he is not a practicing judge at this point in time) that there was sufficient evidence to suggest Turner had come to terms with the Titans (FACT). Whilst this last point did happen and is factual, its important to note that this was not a legal ruling, it is the NRL publicly declaring their support based on some emails between the Titans and Riolo.
No one is disputing that originally Turner did (a) agree to join with the Titans and (b) publicly acknowledge his excitement about joining the new franchise (both are FACTS). The FACT is, that Steve changed his mind in subsequent months, and due to the absence of a signed letter of intent, a signed contract - and a submitted one at that - that Turner and the Storm both felt that legally they were entitled to enter into a legal agreement.
So lets not allow our own prejudicies and allegiances to get in the way of a good FACTual debate. Personally, I feel the had this matter gone to court, then it would hardly have been a simple FACT that Turner had an enforecable agreement with the Titans. It may be much more difficult to enforce such a series of events in the absence of a signed contract.
All three parties have contributed to this situation in one way, shape or form:
1. Titans for not following through with the signed, sealed and delivered contract;
2. Turner for changing his mind (what a crime!); and
3. Storm for being brash and signing Turner, when they obviously knew the Titans would be upset.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and its funny to read back over the original posts when news first broke that Turner had signed with the Storm, that many posts by Titans supporters indicated dissapointment at Titans management for not securinig Turner via a contract. Once the NRL were comfortable that there had been sufficient agreement (via email) it was interesting to see how opinions changed so swiftly - as if the Storm should have expected this decision...like they had a crystal ball. Sure it was a bold move, and quite antagonistic but they felt legally they were entitled to do this.
But lets not forget the FACT that much of this could have been avoided had Turner signed, and the NRL received, a contract in writing. Hindsight is a wonderful thing indeed.