Anthony Seibold slams 'disgusting' rumours about family
Anthony Seibold has spoken out about ‘disgusting’ rumours about his family, slamming the NRL for reportedly failing to check in on him.
The Brisbane Broncos coach commenced legal action last week over a number of vile rumours that have been making the rounds on social media and online fan forums about him.
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Seibold was forced to break the NRL’s biosecurity bubble to deal with a “serious” family matter recently, with false rumours about what happened only making matters worse.
“I understand I’m in a high-profile position at a high profile club. But this is my family and other people mentioned in those disgusting and false messages,” Seibold told the Daily Telegraph.
“They don’t ask to be in the spotlight. Say whatever you want about my coaching and the team’s performances but to make up lies and all that abuse … it’s sickening and I’m not going to cop it.”
The 45-year-old also hit out at the NRL, claiming no one had been in touch with him to check about his family.
“I feel angry. I thought someone could have reached out,” he said.
“Even just a phone call to check in. It’s been bloody hard.
“As a game, are we going to just accept it? I’d hate any other coach or player to go through what I have this last week.”
A spokesman for the NRL told The Daily Telegraph a member of their wellbeing department had attempted to contact the Broncos but hadn’t managed to get in touch with Seibold.
“You don’t like to see anybody go through what Anthony Seibold has gone through in relation to these social media attacks, these false allegations and the blowtorch he’s had turned on him personally,” NRL journo James Hooper told Big League Wrap.
“You wouldn’t wish that upon your worst enemy. I can understand why he might have wanted someone to pick up the telephone up.”
Brisbane Broncos engulfed in multiple scandals
The club’s unrelenting dramas show no signs of stopping, winning one of their last 12 games and facing a hefty penalty after another potential COVID-19 bubble breach.
Up to 10 players enjoyed a pub lunch at the Everton Park Hotel on August 1 under the assumption it was permissible under the relaxed Project Apollo protocols at the time.
Queensland police concluded their investigation on Thursday and found no breach of general public health directions, but the NRL is still to determine whether the lunch broke the code’s own strict guidelines.
Multiple reports claim the players were drinking heavily and playing pokies - which would be a breach.
Tevita Pangai Jnr has already been hit with a $30,000 fine and indefinite removal from the code’s bubble for his barber shop visit, while trainer Allan Langer is among three staff stood down after attending another private function at the Caxton Hotel.
Anthony Seibold is a coach but behind that he’s a human being with a wife and family. When I was with him you wouldn’t find a harder worker everyday trying to improve himself and his players. Really hope the faceless people ease up because nobody deserves that.
— Darcy Lussick (@D_LUSSICK) August 16, 2020
Broncos legend and current board member Darren Lockyer described the last week as a “trainwreck”, while Channel Nine presenter Erin Molan said it was “shambolic”.
“It’s embarrassing,” Molan said on SEN radio on Friday.
“You look at the talent and the calibre of players in that squad - these aren’t battlers, they’re really not. They are incredible players.
“Yes, they’re a little bit younger than a lot of other sides but that shouldn’t matter.
“If every player in that team did their best every week they could be a top four side … there are no excuses there.
“There are serious issues with the coach and the players and with that relationship and something’s got to fold, something’s got to move … it’s shambolic.”
with AAP
