I don't think who leaked the photos, text etc. is the issue here. That is another issue altogether.
The issue is, what Pearce did to bring the game into disrepute AGAIN! Multiple indescrepancies in this incident on top of previous form amounts to, too many chances for mine.
People are saying this type of thing went on (and far worse as well) in the 60's, 70,s and 80's but that wasn't made known etc. No it wasn't because there was no social media to splash it everywhere. People knew but there were only a handful of people who were aware and because it was not splashed everywhere it did not bring the game into disrepute. There being worse incidents or lesser incidents, doesn't make this any better or more acceptable.
I believe the League has been working hard to improve it's image over the last few years; they have succeeded to a point until idiots take it all back to square one. Domestic violence incidents are a whole different ball game IMO and should have their own penalties.
This is not the first time this guy has made a fool of himself, his friends and the game he supposedly loves. It does need to stop. Uncle Nick coming up with some marshmellow options does not cut it I am afraid. He wields too much power behind the scenes and gets too many idiots off from the penalties they should be facing. This should not be taken lightly and a pathetic insincere apology taken into account when determining a penalty.
It does not matter how good or bad a player is - whether he plays in lower grades or the NRL - the incident should stand alone. This guy is not a cleanskin and that should be taken into account. If cocaine was involved as mentioned somewhere above, and it can be proved (little chance of that if he has left the country - nothing to hide, don't need to leave) that makes it a whole lot more unacceptable.
I do not think we need people in our game that carry on like this, that are not good role models for the children of supporters of the game. or of those thinking of supporting the game (wouldn't want to now I am sure - doesn't take much to turn people off).
I think monetary fines are useless (same as speeding fines) no matter what the amount - you have to make the penalty fit the crime. The NRL and Roosters have been fined much more than Pearce could be fined - What price dragging the Roosters and NRL name through the mud again. So we are looking at game time at a minimum (not just a few scabby weeks by the way) and up to a total ban from the game, for life. I favor the latter myself, even for a second rate half back.