“Don’t air your dirty laundry”: Hagipantelis condemns Cobbo gaffe, highlights concerns for Broncos
Lee Hagipantelis, the principal at Brydens Lawyers, has weighed in on the Selwyn Cobbo podcast drama and believes the issue is of major concern to the Broncos.
Cobbo said that Broncos coach Kevin Walters was “a good bloke” but “not a good coach” on the Back of the 135 podcast in November 2022. When the comments surfaced in January 2023, the Broncos and Cobbo were quick to clarify the comments and claim they were taken out of context.
Walters responded to the controversial comments from his winger and said that the club is ready to move on from this incident.
However, Hagipantelis, who is also the chair of the Wests Tigers, believes that Cobbo is in danger of breaching his employment agreement with the Broncos.
“There are two aspects of the matter which I think are of major concern to the Broncos,” Hagipantelis said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“The employment agreement has clauses (prohibiting) players from saying or doing anything that could bring the club or the game into disrepute.
“I’ve listened to the broadcast and I can’t fathom for one moment the suggestion that (Cobbo’s) comments were taken out of context.
“They were clear and without any ambiguity whatsoever.
“The most concerning aspect is if there is any substance to what he said.
“What’s the response now from the club? Do they have to consider the comments and delve further into the matter?
“It’s not the way you want to start the year.”
Hagipantelis said that the situation is far off a resolution and will continue to be a talking point heading into the start of the 2023 season.
“There has to be questions of the player on why he said what he said.
“I don’t think you can ignore the comments.
“There are very clear and strict guidelines as to what the players can or can’t do.
“They have to seek permission before engaging in any of these podcasts.
“Players are responsible for themselves and they are adults. You don’t air your dirty laundry in public.
“If you have concerns, you should raise it through the proper channels.”
The Broncos travel to Penrith in round one to take on the Panthers on March 3.