NRL player Teui ‘TC’ Robati was trying to dodge his responsibility as a role model when he swerved a car across multiple lanes of traffic after a Mad Monday celebration. The Brisbane player was fined for dangerous driving and nominated for The Fronwlow Medal as a result of the reckless stunt.
The Frownlow Medal is awarded to the player whose off-field demeanour epitomises the values of the modern-day footballer and draws attention to the status of footballers as role models to young Australians. It covers Australia’s four major football codes; the National Rugby League (NRL), Australian Football League (AFL), the A-League (Football) and Rugby Union’s Super Rugby competition. NRL player Shaun Kenny-Dowall won the inaugural medal in 2015, while AFL player Elijah Taylor is the most recent recipient.
Robati avoided conviction but was fined $1000 for swerving a car across multiple lanes of traffic on the way home from the Broncos Mad Monday celebrations in Brisbane. He was apparently in the passenger seat while his girlfriend drove, but grabbed the steering wheel when he thought they’d missed a turn off. The car swerved through traffic and other drivers had to brake to avoid an accident.
“I admit I was trying to run away from being a role model,” Robati later confessed.
“I was running away. I couldn’t take it anymore, being told I’m a role model, and I tried to get away from all the pressure.”
“People keep telling us that just because we’re pro footballers that we’re role models to young people, but that’s just crazy. I mean, look at me, I’m almost the same age as the people I’m supposed to be a role model to.”
Robati was disqualified from driving for six months and will have to grab a lift or take a ride share every time he’s required to attend a Broncos function as a role model.
Image: NuNa
The Frownlow Medal 