The Late Mail: Rabbitohs v Bulldogs
2 hours ago | LeagueUnlimited Media
Melbourne Storm boss John Ribot says he did the right thing by not telling the NRL about sexual assault allegations against two of the club's players.
In a startling media conference in Melbourne this afternoon, Ribot said he wouldn't have told David Gallop about the alleged incident unless police laid charges against players.
"We have to protect everybody in this," Ribot said. "While there was just an inquiry, we do believe that as a citizen they have rights and we believed at the time, and I still believe, that we took the right action.
"When this came out, and sadly it has come out because everyone has attempted to do the right thing, I thought then it was the appropriate time to inform the appropriate bodies."
But while the public were unaware of the story, Ribot believed it was best to keep it away from the NRL unless charges were laid, despite the recent situation involving the Bulldogs.
"If the police would have said we will now charge the players, I think then that is when you notify the governing bodies ... the NRL ... and say these are the things that have happened," he said.
Ribot said it is currently "business as usual" at the club and no action has been taken against the players involved in the allegations.
Ribot confirmed the allegation of the sexual assault happened on February 7, with a search warrant issued seven days later.
"Our players weren't here at that time, that is why I was notified by the police," Ribot said.
Ribot said he has gained legal advice about the situation from a QC.
An angered Ribot feared his players would be suddenly looked at as being guilty before the proper course of action was over.
"We are extremely hopeful it won't go any further, and now because the media have got hold of it, it is under public scrutiny," he said.
The NRL are holding a board meeting this afternoon where it is believed they will discuss the Melbourne issue, along with the recent allegations involving the Bulldogs.