Time for players to behave properly

THERE are no 'good' responses to Melvyn Jaminet's violently racist outburst on social media, or the serious sexual assault allegations levelled against Oscar Jegou and Hugo Auradou during France's July tour of Argentina and Uruguay.

Within hours of Jaminet's hateful comments, the FFR, LNR and his club Toulon published statements condemning his words.

He was promptly sent home. He deleted his video, issued an apology that reeked of contract-pleading desperation, and Toulon launched disciplinary proceedings.

Former Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal has already said that Jaminet should no longer be welcome at the club. It may come to that, and it wouldn't be much of a surprise if it did. Clubs are very protective of their image in the community.

But we have yet to learn the decision of Toulon's internal process.

These things take time because there are steps to follow, procedures to adhere to - but all sanction options are open, from a straightforward warning, through financial penalties and suspension, up to dismissal for serious misconduct.

Lucrative personal deals may also be in jeopardy.

These were the 'right' responses, every one of them, in that they showed Jaminet's comments for what they were: indefensible. As soon as he had posted his video, these reactions were inevitable.

They weren't 'good'.

Nothing that could happen once that video was out in the wildhours after France had beaten.

Argentina in the first of two Tests - was going to be 'good'. The best outcome anyone could hope for, was 'demonstrative' and, hopefully, corrective. We'll see.

This isn't going to turn into some muddled defence of Jaminet, no 'young man, future ruined' arguments here. He said what he said.

He's 25 years old, a grown-up. If there are going to be consequences, he's old enough to face them.