Hull FC & Reardon…
Hypocrisy, rank opportunism, simple PR failure or something worse?
I don’t know the guy, I know that Hull FC have squad deficiencies but the news that we had signed Reardon until the end of the season after he was released by Warrington Wolves has struck me a bit rough. (Hull FC / Sky Sports)
Before the derby match at the KC Hull FC were paraded out in support of a local campaign against domestic violence and is aimed at men who have committed violent acts. Despite protestations that this decision “was not taken lightly” this decision smacks in my view of hypocrisy.
Sure, every person needs another chance but I cannot help but feel that this decision is possibly the worst example of PR and timing ever by Hull FC. Should we be supporting someone who has been charged with assault on his estrange wife whilst backing a programme to clamp down on domestic violence?
In this writers opinion, not unless Hull FC come out with STRONG defence of their actions coupled with a robust programme of action, support and therapy to help Reardon and encourage him to become an ambassador against domestic violence. That is the ONLY way the Hull FC can come out of this smelling of anything better than hypocritical.
I don’t doubt his skill or desire to put it behind him and improve as a persona and I applaud him for wanting to do so, but Hull FC have a LOT to do to make this into a positive signing.
Come on Hull, Put out the plan and let the fans know that you are not hypocritical and you have not put simple league position ahead of your moral stand on domestic violence.
Or am I being too simplistic?
We Hull FC fans were up in arms about the lax way in which Hull KR handles the Cockayne incident and rightly so, we now risk becoming a laughing stock not only amongst other Super League clubs but among our own fans – what sort of example is the club setting by simply signing Reardon and not making a big deal of how the club and Reardon are going to take the opportunity to enable change in this dreadful scar on family life?
I wish him well and I hope sincerely that he plays well and long for Hull FC, but I also hope that Hull FC pull their fingers out and put together a public plan to show how Reardon and the club will endeavour to work against domestic violence in the future.
Hull FC forever…
Pax