Bulldogs could cost NRL its funding - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Bulldogs could cost NRL its funding

By Brent Read and Lisa Davies 03/03/2004 08:43:01 PM Comments (0)

Bulldogs players faced police questioning over pack rape allegations as rugby league was warned it could lose federal funding because of the scandal.

Detectives in Sydney questioned the first 11 of 25 Bulldogs' players over claims a 20-year-old woman was gang raped by team members at a Coffs Harbour resort.

The questioning of players, together with a crisis meeting of the Bulldogs board, overshadowed tonight's official launch of the National Rugby League season.

Three groups of players - most dressed in thongs, shorts and T-shirts - walked into the Sydney Police Centre during the day, accompanied by lawyers.

None of the players would say if they had submitted DNA samples to help clear their name, but barrister Jim Young said all players would help police with their inquiries.

A further 14 players are expected to be questioned on Thursday.

Meanwhile political pressure mounted on the code to act over the behaviour of its players.

Sports Minister Rod Kemp said he was appalled by reports about the Sydney team's behaviour and warned NRL funding could be cut if action was not taken in the wake of the sex scandal.

"Sport is often funded through the taxpayer and we expect sports to develop codes of conduct, many of which are now being developed, to make it very clear to players that high standards are expected," Kemp said.

"If those high standards aren't attained, action will be taken."

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