Former Sydney Roosters player Willis Pele Meehan earned his nomination for the Hall of Fame for assaulting and stealing from a taxi driver and for his bizarre comments after a court case.
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. Kiwi international and Sydney Roosters player Shaun Kenny Dowall won the inaugural medal in 2015, while Manase Fainu is the latest recipient.
The Frownlow Medal Hall of Fame honours former players and players who received media attention in previous seasons, for similarly scandalous behaviour, and its inductees include Ben Cousins and Todd Carney.
Meehan fronted court several times. Once for headbutting and stealing a watch from a man near The Star casino in Sydney and again for assaulting and stealing from a taxi driver. He was cleared of the first charge but after being sentenced for the second incident, he told the media he wanted to,
“…eat some cake..”
He also said of the judges harsh words during the trial,
“…I’ve had worse…”
It is not known whether Meehan actually got the slice of cake he so desired. What is known is that after being sacked by the Roosters, he found gainful employment as a stand-over man for criminals.
The talented boxer will find out later this year if he is inducted into The Frownlow Medal Hall of Fame.
Image: NuNa
The Frownlow Medal 