I agree entirely that the best form of control is self control, and part of Wigan's success came from players like Betts who were true professionals, helped by the likes of Tuigamala and Robinson who had other reasons for not drinking. I can't think of too many players with the professionalism of a Betts in the game now, which is odd considering they are all full time professionals, maybe with just too much spare time on their hands?

But I disagree that there is nothing that clubs can do about players who go out getting sloshed. Tony Smith was apparently really tough on this at Leeds, and is doing the same at Warrington. Why not have a code of conduct that says players must not drink for 2 or 3 days before a game? If they don't like it, they don't get a contract.

There is a drinking culture within the game, not just at Wigan, although I think it has been a problem there for a few years now, but equally at the likes of Warrington, and also at Saints. Maybe the Hock debacle is a good opportunity for Wigan to lead the way, and insist on greater professionalism from its players?

Betts thought there was. Very professional IMO.

It isn't just being affected for one or two training days (which is bad enough) as opposed to match days that is the problem with getting ratted.

People do stupid things they may not otherwise do when ratted, like get into fights and other stuff - like snort coke or take other drugs!

Given players have to be extra careful about what they consume to make sure they do not accidentally take stuff that is on the banned drugs list the fact they go out and drink enough to severely impair their judgment and put themselves in a position where they are not totally in control is mind numbingly stupid IMO. It does not affect you or I because we are not basing our lively hood on being in peak physical condition nor are we being regularly tested for banned substances we may stupidly consume (either deliberately or accidentally) while under the influence.

Would like to see more of the same sort of attitude as Betts had as it says a lot IMO about the players approach to their game and how they look after themselves generally. If they go out getting ratted and see nothing wrong with a professional athlete doing this what else will they do? It is an attitude thing that shows IMO how seriously they treat what they do. We do have a player who appears to be carrying a beer gut and has been disciplined for turning up drunk at training at his former club, now if he adopted Betts approach.....

Does Radlinski have an opinion on this in his book when he goes on about the culture of the club being eroded?

Dave

This is the impression I get. Must be a salary cap related thing

Dennis had to grow up very very early. IIRC he became a father at the tender age of 13

From an after effects point of view, id prefer the players to do the oposite, as after a heavy night on the larger i feel like i have been lanced in the forehead for a day!

Also the instant hit of many recreational drugs wears off within a very short space of time, due to the small amounts of product in them, so if they where all legal, id prefer anyone to be on them as opposed to the beers!

Every now and again you get posts from people saying they saw a player wrecked but the point I was making was it is was unreasonable thing for IL to suggest fans give him a ring about it.

What is he going to do? Haul the player up in from of him and say nikos said he saw you p! ssesd last night?

So the club needs to be pro-active in the way SomersetSaint suggested.

Dave

Dunno if this should be here, but looks as if t'other code has a problem too... This article suggests 14 positive results in 5 years. Whats our record? www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/ ... 715403.ece

Dunno if this should be here, but looks as if t'other code has a problem too... This article suggests 14 positive results in 5 years. Whats our record? www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/ ... 715403.ece

www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/4 ... -stop.html www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/4 ... y-son.html Couple of good articles there

www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/4 ... -stop.html www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/4 ... y-son.html Couple of good articles there