Meanwhile, Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak will also fight a contrary conduct charge to avoid a one-game ban so he can line-up for his 150th NRL game this weekend.

Watene-Zelezniak’s hearing will be at 6pm, followed by Api Koroisau at approximately 6.30pm.

The panel consists of Bob Lindner, Ben Creagh and Dallas Johnson.

CLEARY TO FIGHT FOR KOROISAU

Api Koroisau was hit with a grade one contrary conduct charge for his involvement in a scuffle with Roosters hit man Jared Wareara-Hargreaves last weekend.

The 28-year-old would have just received a fine, however two prior offences has him staring at a one-game ban.

Koroisau had only just returned for that Roosters game from a two-game ban for breaching Covid protocols while in camp for State of Origin.

The Sydney Morning Herald is reporting the Panthers were advised by high profile lawyer Nick Ghabar not to bother fighting the charge because it would be a difficult case to win.

However, they will go ahead with it with Cleary representing Koroisau via a Zoom judiciary hearing on Tuesday evening.

According to the Herald, the Panthers are struggling to understand why Koroisau was charged in the first place and will urge the judiciary panel members to uphold the virtues and values of rugby league.

The incident in question happened in the final 10 minutes of the first half. Koroisau took offence to Waerea-Hargreaves’ tackle on rookie Izack Tago and ran in to push the Roosters’ star prop.

Cleary obviously backs his player’s actions and so will defend him — with the blessing of CEO Brian Fletcher.

“It’s great he feels for our players and if he can help them in any way it will be his pleasure to do so,” Fletcher told the Herald.

“He’s untrained as a lawyer, but he’ll do a good job — he may even do a better job because he knows more about the game.”

It’s not the first time a coach has represented a player at a judiciary hearing, however it has been 18 years since it last happened.

Penrith are no strangers to it either, with Phil Gould representing Greg Alexander over 30 years ago.

“I was playing fullback back in 1990, (Balmain’s) James Grant made a break and chipped over the top, I went for the ball but coat-hangered him,” Alexander told the Herald.

“Gus played lawyer that night and got me exonerated.

“He was pretty good. Gus has done everything in the game, but not many would know he also acted as lawyer for his players on occasion. It’s worth Ivan having a crack, definitely. It’s only a minor charge, so it’s worth the fight.

“Ivan will be passionate about the cause. He’ll present a good case. He might do enough to sway the judging panel.”

DWZ’S FIGHT FOR MILESTONE MATCH

If Dallin Watene-Zekezniak can overturn his contrary conduct charge, he’ll be free to play his 150th NRL game when the Warriors take on the Bulldogs — ironically the team Watene-Zelezniak made a mid-season switch from.

The star winger was hit with the charge after kneeing Sharks centre Will Chambers in the head while playing the ball.

Watene-Zelezniak is one of three Warriors players that were slapped with charges over incidents involving Chambers.

The other two, Matt Lodge and Kane Evans, both accepted bans.

Watene-Zelezniak could have gotten away with a fine had he not had two prior offences on his record.

 

According to one criminal complaint, the incident allegedly occured on March 13 at Guice’s home in Ashburn, Virginia. The complaint alleges that once Guice’s girlfriend regained consciousness, Guice “was crying and tapping her.” Guice allegedly “pushed her and pulled her hair more than once” on March 13, according to the police report.

According to the complaint, after regaining consciousness the woman hurried and left Guice’s home in order to catch a flight. While in Chicago during a layover, the woman took pictures of her neck injuries in a bathroom.

The complaints were filed in Loudoun County General District Court. The 23-year-old former NFL player was charged with one count of felony strangulation, three counts of assault and battery, and one count of destruction of property for his alleged role in the three separate incidents.

Guice is slated to be in court for his initial appearance on Aug. 28. In another criminal complaint, it’s alleged that Guice pushed his girlfriend to the ground of his bedroom’s bathroom on Feb. 14. The woman suffered an injury to her left thumbnail while trying to catch her fall.

According to the report, the woman’s nail eventually fell off after a popped blood vessel, which the woman photographed. On April 17, the final incident took place, according to the final criminal complaint.

While outside of his home, Guice alleged shoved his girlfriend to the ground “causing her to sustain injuries to her body” that she photographed, according to the complaint. He also allegedly tossed his girlfriend’s cell phone into the street, which caused the device to shatter.

The court documents identified the woman by her initials. According to the documents, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Department stated that the incidents were reported to the Montgomery County Police Department in Maryland, where the woman lives.

According to Loudoun officials, July 22 is when the incident transpired and it happened in their jurisdiction in February, March, and April. Guice was slated to enter his third NFL season after missing his rookie year with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Last season, the former NFL player registered 42 carries for 245 yards with two touchdowns in five games. Once news broke of the incidents, Washington released Guice. “I talked with the players yesterday and basically told them I made a decision I thought was in the best interest of our organization,” head coach Ron Rivera said. “If it was the right decision, we will benefit from it. If it’s not, it will be on me. I will take full responsibility as we go forward to try and make sure we do things the right way. From that, I want to move forward.”

Glennisha Morgan is a Detroit-bred multimedia journalist and writer. She writes about intersectionality, hip-hop, pop culture, queer issues, race, feminism, and her truth. Follow her on Twitter @GlennishaMorgan.

According to charging documents obtained by the Kaimin, Naseem I. Gaskin, a sophomore transfer student on UM’s basketball team, was arrested Wednesday, Aug. 19, when police responded to a domestic abuse call at the ROAM Student Living apartments.

The police report stated “Jane Doe”, Gaskin’s girlfriend, claimed that she got into an argument with Gaskin and he kicked her off of the bed which caused bruises on her leg. She then returned to her feet and grabbed Gaskin’s phone, at which point he pinned her to the bed with his elbow. She couldn’t breathe.

Next, “Jane Doe” claimed that she tried to bite and pull Gaskin’s hair to stop him, to which he responded by grabbing her neck with one hand and continuing to strangle her.

The filed report state victim told the police she remembered thinking she did not want to die while Gaskin was strangling her. Gaskin then allegedly retrieved his phone and stopped strangling her. The girlfriend then left the apartment and called the police to report the assault.

Officers at the scene observed significant bruising to Doe’s neck consistent with finger marks, according to charging documents. The police documented the scratches on her neck, bruises on her left wrist and bruises under her bicep. Officers observed bruises on her leg, which she attributed to getting kicked off of Gaskin’s bed.

The officers also noted that victim’s voice was hoarse and she stated that her neck “really hurt” and that her throat was sore. Gaskin was then arrested for the assault on the victim.

In a statement to the Kaimin, UM athletics said Gaskin had been suspended from all athletics. Gaskin has also been placed on interim suspension from the University.

“The University and athletic department are aware of the incident involving student-athlete Naseem Gaskin,” the statement said. “We understand the seriousness of the allegations and absolutely do not condone such behavior.”

Kerr, 39, will face Fremantle Magistrates Court later on Thursday.

The Australian midfielder played 220 games for West Coast and was runner-up in the Brownlow Medal twice. He was part of the Eagle premiership winning team in 2006.

He retired in 2013.

Kerr attracted police attention in February this year when he was found unresponsive and intoxicated on Kalgoorlie’s main street.

He laughed off that incident as a bit of a joke.

Major junior hockey may be forced to confront some dark moments in its history in a class-action lawsuit.

Former NHL and Sarnia Sting player Daniel Carcillo is spearheading the lawsuit against the Canadian Hockey League and its member teams on behalf of players who allege abuse while playing major junior hockey.

Carcillo, who played in the Ontario Hockey League between 2002-05, and Garrett Taylor, who played in the Western Hockey League from 2008-10, filed a statement of claim June 18 with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. The CHL and its three member organizations — the WHL, OHL and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League — are listed as defendants, as are all 60 teams.

A statement from Koskie Minsky LLP, the law firm representing Carcillo and Taylor, said the action “is on behalf of children aged 15-17 who were sexually and physically assaulted, hazed and otherwise abused while away from home and playing for CHL teams.”

The allegations haven’t been proven in court.

The claim was filed the same week former Kitchener Rangers player Eric Guest told The Hockey News as a rookie he was forced by an older teammate to use cocaine at a party. Guest said he never told anyone in the Rangers’ organization.

On Friday, the CHL announced it will form an independent panel to review league policies and practices related to hazing, abuse, harassment and bullying and the allegation players don’t feel comfortable reporting behaviours that contravene these policies.

“We are deeply troubled,” a CHL statement read, “by the allegations in the recently announced class action, many of which are historic in nature and we believe are not indicative of the leading experience our players receive in the CHL today. Regardless of the timing, we are taking the claims very seriously as the protection of our players has been and will always be our primary concern.”

The CHL said each year its teams are charged with the care and safety of 1,400 young men and is committed to ensuring an environment that is players first and free of hazing, abuse, harassment and bullying and provides zero tolerance for any of these behaviours.

“The CHL and its member leagues have made a number of advancements to enhance our player experience programs over the past 20 years,” states the release. “We have been working with organizations such as the Canadian Mental Health Association, Canadian Red Cross and Respect in Sport to develop extensive policies and practices to educate players and team staff on the importance of respect and prevention of hazing, abuse, harassment and bullying.”

CHL teams conduct annual player conduct and safety training involving procedures for filing a complaint without fear of reprisal. It includes advising a coach, general manager, police liaison, player liaison or a governor or league official. If criminal conduct is involved, players are encouraged to contact police.

“We believe these programs protect our players and ensure that everyone associated with our teams understand that the type of misconduct alleged is not tolerated,” stated the CHL.

The CHL hopes the independent review will be completed prior to the 2020-21 season.

“We welcome the findings of the Independent Review Panel to ensure we are providing the safest player experience in hockey and amateur sport,” stated the release.

The lawsuit seeks damages for negligence, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract and a declaration that the teams and leagues are vicariously liable for abuse perpetrated by their employees and players.

“This case is on behalf of underage minors who suffered violent hazing, physical and sexual assault and psychological trauma while playing major junior hockey,” Carcillo said in a statement. “I was one of those kids when I played in the OHL. I know there are many more just like me.”

Thursday: What are the Peterborough Petes doing to prevent abuse?

An offseason of being on the wrong side of the headlines continues for Iowa football.

Amidst allegations that he directly contributed to “racial disparities in the Iowa football program,” Chris Doyle and Iowa parted ways earlier this month.  Monday, former Iowa running back Akrum Wadley added to the negativity surrounding the football program with a lengthy statement that made the rounds on Facebook.

In the social-media missive, Wadley, who played for the Hawkeyes from 2014-17, described his time as an Iowa football player as “a living nightmare.” He went on to state that “I wish I never played for the Iowa Hawkeyes.”

Wadley also accused offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz, the son of head coach Kirk Ferentz, of directing racially-charged remarks at him.

During the winter, the Iowa coaches handed out black wool NIKE hats to all the players. When we finished practice while leaving the field I liked to put my hat on immediately because it was cold and when sweating I didn’t want to get sick. One time when I was jogging to the facility, Coach Brian Ferentz says, ‘Hey Akrum, are you going to rob a gas station?’ I was so upset, but ignored him and kept going. This happened a couple more times in the same situation. The only difference is he said, ‘Akrum are you going to rob a liquor store?’ Those other times I just looked back at him and shook my head because I knew responding to him would result in some type of unfair punishment.

Wadley further claimed that Kirk Ferentz threatened to take away his meal card, alleging that he was forced to call his mother in New Jersey to order Dominos Pizza after the card was declined.  He also alleged that he “would have to go to a fan’s house earlier at night to eat.” Additionally, Wadley claimed he started drinking in college to help cope with the issues.

“My time at Iowa has done things to me that I am not going to discuss because knowing how these people treated me and other black athletes. I am done giving them power over me,” Wadley wrote. “My hope is my story and those of my teammates save others from the experiences, truths and mistake of playing under and for a coaching staff at Iowa that did and said nothing to stop the bullying and racism from happening to us under Chris Doyle, Brian Ferentz and Kirk Ferentz.”

As of yet, no one connected to the Iowa football program has publicly responded to Wadley’s allegations.

Warriors captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will fight his shoulder charge citing when he meets the NRL judiciary this evening.

The Warriors week went from bad to worse on Saturday after it was revealed Tuivasa-Sheck had been charged with a grade-one charge for a shoulder charge in his side’s 50-6 loss against the Storm the night before.

Tuivasa-Sheck would’ve copped a one-game ban had he entered an early guilty plea but will instead fight the charge which normally results in a two-game suspension if the player in question is found guilty.

However, with Tuivasa-Sheck’s seven-year clean record, he will benefit from a penalty reduction and still only face one week on the sidelines if he loses his case.

The incident in question happened in the 61^st minute where replays showed Tuivasa-Sheck tucked his right shoulder before making contact with Storm forward Felise Kaufusi.

Working in Tuivasa-Sheck’s favour is the fact the referee didn’t penalise the action at the time.

If Tuivasa-Sheck loses, he will miss Saturday’s game against fellow strugglers Brisbane.

PUNTA GORDA — Free pickleball play at the PicklePlex of Punta Gorda could be ending at the 16-court facility in South Charlotte County.

The PicklePlex organization has maintained free public play since opening in June 2019 at Florida SouthWestern State College, 26300 Airport Road.

The city of Punta Gorda contributed around $65,000 toward construction of the facility with one court and utility work, according to city documents.

At Wednesday’s meeting, the City Council will discuss whether they should weigh in on a proposal from the organization to charge membership fees for players since public funds went to its construction.

“It is unfortunate that in these times we are faced with no income stream and the realization that it takes almost $100,000 a year to run our complex,” wrote PicklePlex Board President Ted Kegeris in a statement to city staff.

Kegeris wrote that they do intend to leave the courts open for free play from noon to 5 p.m. except during tournaments, “if and when we return to tournaments.”

“We take this matter very seriously and look for other avenues of income,” Kegeris said. “Please be assured we have taken the opinions of many of our players and they are very supportive, while a few are disappointed.”

City Council members will also discuss how the change might affect pickleball at Gilchrist Park.

The public courts at Gilchrist have caused tension between some neighbors and players due to noise and other issues.

Punta Gorda resident and pickleball player Anastasia Settle told the Sun she is concerned about the change at PicklePlex.

“The Gilchrist Park courts are closer to where I live, but I don’t want to be an aggravation to neighbors,” Settle said. “When PicklePlex opened up I started driving there to play instead of walking to Gilchrist. If it’s going to go private, (I feel) that is going to affect my play.”

Settle said she does play indoors at times at the recreation center at Charlotte County-owned South County Regional Park, but it also costs to play there.

“It’s not that I’m not willing to pay,” Settle said, “my issue is that (PicklePlex) was sold to the community as something that is going to be free to the community.”

Currently, the PicklePlex organization is proposing an annual club membership fee of $200 a year, which is about 55 cents per day or $3.85 per week, according to a PicklePlex release.

Seasonal residents would be asked to pay a $150 fee for seven months and an occasional player would be charged a $5 drop-in fee.

The PicklePlex is funded by donations, tournaments and court rentals, not tax dollars, according to organizers.

Two tournaments, so far, were canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“The PicklePlex has always been a privately managed complex since it is not funded nor constructed with tax money,” said Gloria Reilly of PicklePlex in an email to the Sun.

Mayor Nancy Prafke, who serves as a liaison between the city and the organization’s board, told the Sun that all organizations that have a facility to manage must maintain a cash flow.

“(If you) look around at facilities in surrounding counties, many charge fees for use, including (in) Charlotte County,” Prafke said. 

In other news:

Punta Gorda staff will present contract information for the incoming city manager at Wednesday’s meeting. 

During a June 24 special meeting, the City Council heard interviews of five candidates to replace long-time manager Howard Kunik.

They narrowed it down to Gregory Murray, a county administrator for Washington County, Maryland, for around 10 years.

Feb. 16 (UPI) — Former University of Wisconsin football player Marcus Randle El was arrested in connection with a double homicide, Janesville police said.

Janesville Police Chief David Moore said Randle El, 33, turned himself in to Chicago police on Saturday afternoon in connection with the deaths of Seairaha Winchester, 30, of Joliet, Ill., and Brittany McAdory, 28, of Janesville, Wis.

Randle El played wide receiver for the Wisconsin Badgers from 2004 through ’07. He is the younger brother of Antwaan Randle El, who played nine seasons in the NFL and currently is an offensive assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Moore said he expects Randle El to be charged with two counts of first-degree intentional homicide.

Winchester and McAdory were found shot near a Janesville intersection and taken to a hospital where they died.

Lt. Charles Aagaard said investigators recovered video confirming the two victims went to a gas station at about 2 a.m. on Monday and had evidence that they planned to meet later that morning with Randle El, who was also at the gas station.

They left the gas station in McAdory’s car and weren’t seen again until a passing motorist spotted them on the side of the road with multiple gunshot injuries.

McAdory’s car was later found along an interstate in Illinois about 30 miles northwest of Randle El’s hometown of Homewood, Ill.

Court records state that at the time of the shooting Randle El was out of jail on parole after being charged with kidnapping for allegedly taking his 3-year-old daughter at gunpoint in Illinois.

Randle El had also previously been arrested and charged with misdemeanor battery in March and December of 2005.