South Sydney Rabbitohs ... Michael Crocker calls for an apology. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited
South Sydney skipper Michael Crocker yesterday demanded the ACC and Federal Government apologise to NRL players for rugby league's dramatic drugs slur, saying: "They have gambled with all our livelihoods".
Preparing for Friday night's Charity Shield against St George Illawarra at ANZ Stadium, Crocker continues to wait for the ACC to release firm details on which players and clubs have been found guilty of using banned drugs.
Crocker said all players had been tainted and claimed the drama could have sent clubs broke.
Asked if the ACC should say sorry, Crocker said: "One hundred percent. The way they did it, they gambled with all our livelihoods. Sponsors could have pulled out, clubs could have gone broke.
"It is very disappointing the way it has all played out - the fact the whole rugby league community has been affected by it.
"It is something the game didn't need and I think it was unnecessary the way they did it.
"To come out and say there is a widespread problem is a massive beat-up and hasn't been handled well at all.
"I'm not naive enough to say that there aren't people looking at ways to enhance themselves, whether it be within the guidelines of WADA or not. But for me, 99.9 per cent of people are clean in this game.
"Luckily enough we have a really strong rugby league community and all our fans are behind us.
"The end product will get people back talking about what is important and that is what we do on the field each weekend."
Crocker said every NRL player was now tainted.
"Everyone does (feel tainted)," he said.
"The community in general casts doubts on just about everyone now. You walk down the street with people saying: 'maybe he's on something'.
"It's unfair on everyone that is clean."
Earlier in the week, Parramatta star Jarryd Hayne also expressed frustration at the process.
"There has been a lot of fuss but not a lot of things have been done about it," Hayne said.
"They (the Government) came out and said stuff but can't find them so it's 'what will we do next?'.
The biggest thing is that sport in general has been hurt.
"The way they were saying it was though they were going to bring to game down. We have to move forward and move on."
Crocker meanwhile said his club was ready and pumped for Friday night's annual game against Saints.
A crowd of around 25,000 is expected to watch a match that is traditionally fiery and intense.
"It's a great atmosphere and the perfect start to the season," Crocker said.
"Both teams have had a couple of runs under their belt so you have your timing back. Everything starts to click into gear.
"It's a good dress rehearsal."
Asked how Souths will handle the club's high expectations this season, Crocker said: "To be honest, we didn't achieve anything last year.
"Our coach is pretty good at keeping us grounded and we know we have a lot of work to do to achieve something great and that is to go all the way.
"That is a work in progress."
Crocker said superstar fullback Greg Inglis was ready to leap another level in the game this season.
"Have you seen him? He is looking amazing," Crocker said.
"He will just get better and better."
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