The NRL defends the decision to invite Donald Trump to Las Vegas’ fixtures after an anti-domestic violence separated the league from what is called a “deaf deaf” offer.
The White Ribbon wrote a letter to the NRL this week that ended a partnership since 2008, citing the league’s decision to associate with “well-known guilty of abuse and violence against women”.
The letter, seen by the AAP, does not specifically refer to Trump, but understands an invitation to the VIP to the American president is in the midst of charity concerns.
Trump, a Felon, was found responsible for the sexual abuse and defamation of E Jean Carroll in a civil case in 2023 and was ordered to pay the journalist and set $ 5M.
Australian Rugby League chairman Peter V’landys spoke directly to Trump in a public video leading the second league’s second foray in the American market, destroying the Allegiant Stadium on Sunday (AEDT).
“Mr. President, we would like to introduce you to the hardest game on Earth, Rugby League, in the capital of the world and entertainment capital, Las Vegas,” V’landys said in the video.
UFC boss Dana White was also approached by the NRL Club Canberra with an offer to break Viking’s customary horn leading to Kick-off in Vegas.
White was caught on camera slapping his wife at a Mexican Night Club on New Year’s Eve in 2022.
Like Wednesday night of the local time, Trump did not accept the invitation, but it is believed that White is unavailable because of a scheduling schedule.
The NRL remains hoping that Trump can still attend the four games, and next that he deserves to be invited.
“We are playing this match in America, Mother -Host we are America. Last year we invited [then-president] Joe Biden, this year we invited Donald Trump, ”NRL’s chief executive Andrew Abdo in Las Vegas.
“That’s not to say that we have any political relationship with any party. Sending an invitation to the sitting president of this country is appropriate and that’s what we did.”
Abdo insisted that the NRL remained committed to marriage.
“We are about to integrate -with people no matter what you believe in politics, even your background. We are a sport for everyone, the greatest game for everyone,” he said.
The White Ribbon and the NRL first officially partnered in 2008 under the supervision of former chief executive David Gallop, but the two organizations have not been working on each other since 2020.
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But the league is still listed by the White Ribbon as a partner on its website, which has since been removed at the request of charity.
The letter also suggested that the invitations be rescued by the NRL, which has set up the league’s responsibility to promote a culture of safety for its fans.
It also questioned whether most NRL supporters would actually approve the invitations.
White Ribbon Chief Executive Merinda March said in AAP in a statement that it was “failed and openly, deaf tone” for the NRL to relate themselves to the “well -known guilty” of violence against women.
“As the NRL continues to promote their contact with us, this decision of the NRL is wildly misaligned our values and has no integrity and respect,” March said.
“We believe that fans and participants of the NRL – almost half of women – they deserve better. They deserve the values of respect, integrity and fair play – both and out of the field.
“We are calling today to appeal to the administrators of their beloved sport to represent these values on the world stage.”
The White Ribbon is open to restore its cooperation with the NRL in the future – under a condition.
“When the NRL is willing to make a truly zero-tolerance stance on abuse and violence against women, White Ribbon Australia will be welcome to meet and discuss an opportunity to cooperate with an intervention with the whole organization,” March said.
