Trial by media not fair

Shaun Kenny-Dowall. Photo / Getty Images

I am annoyed at the way Shaun Kenny-Dowall has been crucified for something that hasn't been proven yet. we haven't even heard his side of the story.

Kenny-Dowall has been charged with 10 counts of domestic violence against his former partner. If he's found guilty, his actions are reprehensible.

But last time I checked, they were just allegations. People have been getting up on their soap box calling for him to be sacked by the Roosters and kicked out of the NRL.

Even the state premier has become involved by commenting before the judicial process has been completed. Huh?

Kenny-Dowall is now in a Sydney hospital after the club and family were concerned about his mental well-being so the episode has clearly taken a big toll on him.

Crucially, we haven't heard his side of the story and I thought that's what people were entitled to during a fair trial.

People have been ripping into him, particularly on social media, without any knowledge of what's gone on. People are entitled to their opinions — as a columnist, I would be hypocritical to suggest otherwise — and some might get upset with me from time to time but I comment on what I see, not on hearsay, rumour and innuendo.

The NRL and Roosters have so far done the right thing, despite calls for them to take strong action against Kenny-Dowall.

The club can't fine or sanction him because he has the right to a fair trial, and he's taken himself out of circulation, so they can't drop him, either.

I have met him a few times and always found him a decent guy. That's not in any way a defence of him but we have to let the process take its course.

Are people saying the Queen should step down because 80-year-old footage of her giving a Nazi salute when she was six years old has surfaced? I haven't heard it but many seem willing to take a pop at a high-profile sportsman.

Sadly, it's a common scenario in New Zealand and Australia. The impression I have is it started with talkback radio and has gone to an altogether different level on social media. It is trial by media, in the wider sense, and is a blight on society.

Broadcasters also seem happy enough to proliferate this sort of talk because, the way they see it, any discussion promotes the sport and, therefore, ratings.

The first time I really remember it happening was when former All Blacks hooker Norm Hewitt got into trouble after breaking into the wrong Queenstown hotel room in 1999 after a few too many drinks.

He was pilloried for it but public opinion turned after he gave his side of the story. It emerged he had a drinking problem and he has since used that in a positive way to better his life. People are too quick to criticise without all the facts.