Eels Address Rumors Surrounding Dylan Walker
The Parramatta Eels have issued a statement condemning the erroneous speculation and innuendo related to forward Dylan Walker.
In recent days, various reports have surfaced linking Walker to an unspecified off-field issue, mainly originating from Parramatta supporter pages.
Additionally, Wide World of Sports journalist The Mole contributed to the chatter with a post about an unnamed NRL player, leading to rampant speculation among fans about the individual in question.
These discussions gained traction after Walker was excluded from the lineup for the upcoming match against the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
The Eels initially indicated that Walker was being 'rested' for Round 23 when announcing their team on Tuesday, ahead of their Saturday evening clash in Sydney.
However, Eels CEO Jim Satantinos has stated that the allegations are entirely unfounded and unjust, adding that the club is considering legal action against those perpetuating the false information.
"The Parramatta Eels are aware of false rumours and innuendo circulating on social media about one of the players, Dylan Walker," Satantinos noted.
"The claims are completely false and unfair on Dylan and his family."
"We should never be in a situation where a player has to defend himself against baseless online speculation. Everyone needs to understand how reckless and irresponsible this conduct is, and the real impact it has on people. We are not going to stand for it."
"The people spreading this material are not supporters or responsible journalists. Passion for the club and the game is welcome. Defamation, abuse and the deliberate spread of falsehoods are not."