Matt Lodge New York thread

[Sabre]

It seems like he does have some issues, which if he does, Rugby League is probably a good outlet for him. If he is denied playing footy then he could become even worse.

So we let him play because it might be a source of rehab? I don't think so. I'm sure 4 yrs in a US a jail with members of the Krips and Bloods will sort him out. Not our problem, we tried to give him a chance, (more than one actually) but he just spat in our face. Time for the club to wipe their hands of him, which they have done. You can't help somebody if they don't want to help themselves.

Sorry, I should have worded myself better. I didnt mean we should have retained him, he 100% deserved to have his contract torn up and shouldn't play NRL for a long time, if ever again.

I mean that he has thrown away the one thing that probably could have helped him. I worry for his state of mind, his future and the welfare of those around him now that he can no longer play.

 

[happy_tiger]

[]Wow a lot of Judge Jury Executioner Psychiatrist phsycologists HR and righteousness going on in this thread….

I think it's more frustration at the squandering of such a talent.

I know my diatribe last night was fuelled by that.

No UD, it's certainly not that from my point of view. I couldn't care less about him squandering his so called talent. The guy stalked and threatened 2 women then ran into an apartment and bashed the tripe out of a guy, who came to their aid - all after already being stood down here for violent and aggressive behaviour shown towards his girlfriend and others. Sorry, but I have no sympathy - drug fueled or not, its unacceptable behaviour that is way beyond that of the likes of twits such as Bird, Myles, Carney & co.

Don't get me wrong Flip - I have no sympathy for the guy whatsoever - go back and check out my diatribe if you wish.

I'm frustrated that will miss out on what he could have potentially brought to our side - that certainly doesn't water down what he has done.

Fair enough UD. I guess I'm just amazed that some on here cannot see past our loss and want to give this guy the 'benefit of the doubt' whilst refusing to recognise that Lodge is an extremely dangerous individual - the kind of guy that they would make a Law & Order episode about.

The problem is the Roosters just let time take their course until the next headline comes along and brushes the SKD's etc off the front page

If they want to keep someone they just do and don't give a crap about the circumstances until the NRL acts

 

[Guest]

Arrested and sacked, Matthew Lodge could lose $5m NRL career
October 19, 2015

SACKED rugby league player Matthew Lodge faces a potential four years in jail and the prospect he’s thrown away a $5 million career after his arrest in New York at the weekend.

Lodge, who was holidaying in the United States, has been charged with criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, criminal trespass, assault and menacing.

If convicted, he faces jail in New York for allegedly stalking two women, assaulting a man and damaging property.

Lodge allegedly told the women “this is the night you die” before assaulting a man who came to their aid.

Lodge’s father was due to arrive in New York overnight to be with his son, according to his mother.

“I have no idea what’s happened, but I’m concerned for his welfare and my husband will get there at one o’clock tonight,” Lodge’s mother told Channel Nine.

“Matthew has a lot of problems.

“But he’s a good person. He is a good person, deep down.

“I don’t know what’s happened over there; something’s happened and I’m not sure of the details. I’m sorry I can’t tell you any more.”

On Monday, The Daily Telegraph contacted coaches, players and officials who described the now former Wests Tigers prop as a troubled soul.

Those interviewed didn’t want to be named, fearing personal, public criticism against Lodge would only add to his already fragile mental state.

A former NSW under-20s prop, Lodge’s promising NRL career is now in tatters. He had held discussions with Penrith but the Panthers understandably baulked.

As an elite front-rower, Lodge, 20, could have demanded up to $400,000 a season for the next 12 years. His NRL future is now looking doomed.

Lodge joined Wests Tigers on a back-ended, three-year deal worth about $175,000 a season. That too is gone. His parents, both in the police force, are shattered.

One official who knows Lodge paints a disturbing picture.
Matthew Lodge joined the Tigers to play with friends, Mitch Moses and Luke Brooks.

Matthew Lodge joined the Tigers to play with friends, Mitch Moses and Luke Brooks.Source:Getty Images

“He actually signed with Wests Tigers to play with two of his mates, Mitch Moses and Luke Brooks. He had a bigger offer from Penrith.

“Matt was pretty much paid on potential. He really is a talented player but he’s so loose. He would come to training late and miss important meetings. He just wouldn’t show up. It didn’t seem to bother him.

“He is only 20-years-old. They said he would be a superstar and represent Australia. Good front-rowers don’t mature until 26 or 27\. He could have been earning $400,000 a year for the next twelve years. It’s a real shame.

“So much ability but he just can’t harness his off-field behaviour. I reckon he could be lost to the game. I worry about him, he’s not that mentally strong.”

“He is right on the edge but that’s the type of prop you want,” said one of his coaches. “But he has some heavy issues. I just hope he can work through them.”

A former teammate said: “I worry what I am going to read each time I see his name in the paper.”

The NRL supported Wests Tigers’ decision to sack the former Junior Kangaroo.

“The integrity unit has contacted the club and requested more information about what has occurred. We expect the club to keep us informed through the process in the wake of the alleged conduct by the player,” said an NRL spokesman.
Matthew Lodge was sacked by the Tigers after he was arrested in New York.

Wests Tigers terminated his deal, which ended after next season, effective immediately. In a club statement, CEO Justin Pascoe said: “This type of behaviour does not fit with the culture we are building at the club, nor is it to the behavioural standards that we accept. Whilst our playing contract obligation to Matthew will be terminated, the club will continue to offer welfare and counselling options to Matthew to ensure he has the support he needs.”

Lodge was stood down temporarily by Wests Tigers in August over multiple domestic violence incidents however he was not actually sacked by the club. He was also fined by Wests Tigers over a Kings Cross incident in January and then, in July, Lodge was banned from attending Penrith junior rugby league games for the rest of 2015 after further drama when a coaching a team.

Lodge was also sanctioned and suspended by the NRL for writing the word ‘c … t’ on his wrist strapping before a NSW under 20s State of Origin game. Former Tigers champion winger Larry Corowa took to social media calling for Lodge to be kicked out of rugby league.

“Life ban from the NRL — that’s what I’d do,” Corowa said. “What possesses these idiots is beyond me.”

 

[Guest]

How NRL player Matthew Lodge was allegedly found in closet in New York after stalking two women
October 19, 2015 5:23pm

DISGRACED NRL player Matthew Lodge was found cowering in the bedroom closet of the New York apartment he allegedly barged into after stalking frightened women into the home, punching the man who lived there and then pegging a bottle of wine at police.

It is now known that the women Lodge allegedly stalked were buzzing apartment buildings along the Upper West Side’s upmarket West End Avenue in a bid to find someone who would let them inside to escape the NRL player, who told them “this is the night that you die”.

Fresh detail has emerged of the night including how Lodge allegedly punched the male resident who responded to the women’s request for help by letting them inside.

Police allege Lodge then locked the man in the corridor while proceeding to trash the apartment with the man’s wife and son trapped inside.

Lodge — who has been sacked by the West Tigers — was last night locked up in New York’s Robert N Davoren prison, near the infamous Rikers Island complex awaiting a court date on Thursday Australian time.

Authorities require a $US20,000 cash bail or a $US30,000 bond for his release, with Lodge’s father last night en route to the US.

Lodge was staying with friends at a swanky Upper West Side hotel, situated in a family-friendly area of Manhattan not known for its party scene.

However it is understood the group pestered anyone they came into contact with on arrival as to where they could go to party that night.

“All they wanted to know from the moment they got here was where are the parties where are the parties,” one local said.

It was about 10pm that the women were frantically buzzing apartments on West End Avenue to be let in so they could escape Lodge.

After one man came to their assistance, Lodge followed the women inside.

NYPD Sergent Brendan Ryan said when Lodge was asked to leave the apartment he punched the complainant.

“The complainant tried to remove him from his apartment and he was punched with a closed fist,” Sgt Ryan said.

He said the altercation spilled out to the hallway.

“The suspect re-entered the apartment, closed and locked the door with the complainant and victim locked outside … His wife and son were locked inside,” Sgt Ryan said.

While inside, Lodge allegedly broke items in the apartment.

Sgt Ryan said police then arrived, with Lodge allegedly throwing a bottle of wine at them but missing.

“(He then) retreated into the apartment where he was found hiding inside one of the bedroom closets,” Sgt Ryan said.

Lodge was then taken into custody and charged with criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, criminal trespass, assault and menacing.

He was then given arraignment charges of burglary.

As of last night, the bond had not been paid and Lodge was being represented by Legal Aid.

The most serious of the offences Lodge has been charged with are classified as level B felonies — the second most serious class of offence in a scale that ranges down to level E, and punishable by jail time.

 

[Yossarian]

I'm guessing when this guy from PNG comes down we'll see the difference between a guy grateful for a chance and working his backside off and Lodge who keeps wasting both his talent and opportunities.

 

[foreveratiger]

There is no excuse for the allegations against him .

That is very poor form and something isn't right with the kid Mentally , cause at some point he should be aware that he is a Professional Football player and the responsibilities it binds him to .

This is not his 1st infringement so he gave the Club no option to take the action it did .
Clearly he needs help and if Guilty of all those allegations ? well a stint in jail might be the wake up call he needs and maybe what his Parents have maybe warned him of .

 

[MacDougall]

They should make Lodge fight me in a cage. I will choke him til he humble. Ho kogan?

 

[Tim Sheens]

The bully found cowering in a closet, priceless. Mental problems or not, he has been afforded a hell of a lot more education on behavioral expectations as part of the NRL programs (let alone his officer parents) than many uderpriviliged can ever expect, yet still carries on like a total pork chop.

Hope that he eventually gets himself together, but in the meantime suck it up you bullying fool as you deserve to be punished and feel similar intimidation to that which you have inflicted on others. Bubba likes a bit of meat on his playthings.

 

[TJL]

A lot of people would give their right nut to get the chances this bloke has had, I know I would have. All the talent in the world can't put brains in statues.

 

[travis_bickle]

I think that the club has acted too hastily in dismissing Lodge. It's less than one week after an article appeared starting that Carney “the urinator”， is going to sue Cronulla for 3 million. The reason for the lawsuit is that he was sacked without a hearing. Just like lodge!

Its 2015, you cannot just sack players with mental health issues and wipe your hands clean of them. At the very least Lodge should have been given an opportuityto state his case. He may be the victim off having his drink spiked or maybe he simply forgot to pack his meds.

I in no way condone what this moron has done (he probably should have been sacked earlier). I just don't want this issue popping up again in 12 months because it was not dealt with in the proper manner. Immediate dismissal is the knee jerk quick fix band aid solution.

You think the club would learn. The axe has already fallen in the past month due to potential threats of constructive dismissal.

 

[innsaneink]

I thought of this too Travis.
But this is his fourth incident while with us… Id say were safe here... II must admit the swiftness of the sacking surprised me

 

[MightyMaggy]

Please read the Club's statement on Lodge's sacking. They state clearly…............
“This type of behaviour does not fit with the culture we are building at the Club, nor is it to the behavioural standards that we accept,” he said. “Whilst our playing contract obligation to Matthew will be terminated, the Club will continue to offer welfare and counselling options to Matthew to ensure he has the support he needs.”
What more do YOU think they should be doing?

 

[Guest]

How NRL player Matthew Lodge was allegedly found in closet in New York after stalking two women

October 20, 2015 4:26am
\
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SACKED Wests Tigers player Matthew Lodge faces up to 25 years jail after allegedly stalking two women, punching a man and pegging a bottle at police in New York.

The 20-year-old was released from Rikers Island prison on Monday after his father flew in from Australia to post the $US50,000 ($A68,910) bond, comprising $US20,000 cash.

A secret grand jury is set to convene to determine what charges the troubled former prop will face for his alleged bizarre and violent behaviour early Friday morning on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

It has been revealed that Lodge was found cowering in the bedroom closet of the New York apartment he allegedly barged into after stalking frightened women into the home, punching the man who lived there and the throwing a bottle at police.

The women Lodge allegedly stalked were buzzing apartment buildings along the Upper West Side’s up-market West End Avenue in a bid to find someone who would let them inside to escape the NRL player, who told them “this is the night that you die.”

Lodge also allegedly punched the male resident who responded to the women’s request for help by letting them inside. Police allege Lodge then locked the man in the corridor while proceeding to trash the apartment with the man’s wife and son trapped inside.

Lodge — who has been sacked by the West Tigers — spent the weekend in the jailhouse awaiting a court date on Thursday Australian time.

Lodge was staying with friends at a swanky uptown hotel, situated in a family-friendly area of Manhattan not known for its party scene.

However it is understood the group pestered anyone they came into contact with on arrival as to where they could go to party that night.

“All they wanted to know from the moment they got here was where are the parties, where are the parties,” one local said.

It was about 4am that the women were frantically buzzing apartments on West End Avenue to be let in so they could escape Lodge, AAP reported.

After one man came to their assistance, Lodge followed the women inside.

NYPD Sergent Brendan Ryan said when Lodge was asked to leave the apartment, he punched the complainant.

“The complainant tried to remove him from his apartment and he was punched with a closed fist,” Sgt Ryan said.

He said the altercation spilt out to the hallway.

“The suspect re-entered the apartment, closed and locked the door with the complainant and victim locked outside … His wife and son were locked inside,” Sgt Ryan said.

While inside, Lodge allegedly broke items in the apartment.

Sgt Ryan said police then arrived, with Lodge allegedly throwing a bottle of wine at them but missing.

“(He then) retreated into the apartment where he was found hiding inside one of the bedroom closets,” Sgt Ryan said.

Lodge was then taken into custody and charged with criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, criminal trespass, assault and menacing. He was then given arraignment charges of burglary.

The New York District Attorney has now re-set the original charges. He is now charged with felony counts of burglary in the first degree and burglary in the second degree. The first carries a maximum 25-year sentence.

The grand jury, where prosecutors present evidence in secret to jurors, will determine what charges Lodge will face.

After the arrest Wests Tigers chief Justin Pascoe announced the club had terminated Lodge’s playing contract.

The charges come just months after Lodge was stood down by the Tigers over similar stalking domestic violence allegations.

Lodge was granted strict bail conditions after facing court in August for six offences including stalking, intimidation and assault.

 

[Guest]

If Lodge's criminal charges in Australia are brought up before the jury - and I expect they will be, then it will really hurt his chances of returning home quickly I daresay.

 

[Gary_Bakerloo]

What a waste…...throwing a bottle of wine.

 

[Cultured_Bogan]

What a waste…...throwing a bottle of wine.

At least he had the good sense not to waste a bottle of beer.

 

[innsaneink]

Please read the Club's statement on Lodge's sacking. They state clearly…............
“This type of behaviour does not fit with the culture we are building at the Club, nor is it to the behavioural standards that we accept,” he said. “Whilst our playing contract obligation to Matthew will be terminated, the Club will continue to offer welfare and counselling options to Matthew to ensure he has the support he needs.”
What more do YOU think they should be doing?

Really… Legally it's quite vague imo.
I read it several times after he was sacked... I think that's what Travis is getting at... There may be much more they haven't stated... No doubt.
In any case he's looking at 25 years inside so I doubt the clubs too worried... Legally

 

[WTDiehard]

On Ray Hadley this morning it was stated that a few people that know the Lodge family fairly well, said that Matt has been a problem for a number of years and there have been many incidents but he has been fortunate to date that no convictions have ever been recorded against him. One person even referred to him as a grub.
It seems that ML is quite a loose cannon based on the above. Pity it was never nipped in the bud at an early age as he may pay a price now…..and a USA jail does not sound appealing at all.

 

[Silentio]

It seems like an NRL career may have been the worst thing ever for this bloke, mentally he's just not up to it.

Hopefully as a person he gets the support he needs to move on with the next chapter of his life.

 

[Sabre]

You can call Matt whatever….stupid, reckless, criminal etc etc.

But when you hear his mothers distraught voice this morning, this is something that effects the family probably more than the individual. A parents worst nightmare is to see their kids make destructive choices in life.

Anyone off sound mind would not do the things Matt is doing at the moment......this is no excuse, he deserves to pay the price but lets hope the bloke can get some professional help because he obviously is in serious need of it.

yet you gave me a 'thumbs down' for this post below, and said to "stop making excuses for bad behavior". Which is it then?

It seems like he does have some issues, which if he does, Rugby League is probably a good outlet for him. If he is denied playing footy then he could become even worse.