The devoutly Christian player on Tuesday was found guilty of a 'high-level' breach of the sport's code of conduct after posting an anti-gay statement on social media, leaving his career hanging in the balance.
SYDNEY - Sportswear company ASICS dumped Israel Folau as a brand ambassador Wednesday over homophobic comments, as former Wallabies coach Alan Jones slammed those punishing him as "sick".
Rugby Australia moved to sack him after he posted a banner on Instagram last month that read: "Drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and adulators - Hell awaits you." It followed a similar tirade last year. "As such, our partnership with Israel has become untenable and he will no longer represent ASICS as a brand ambassador."Folau's case has proved complex and divisive, pitting his right to free speech against the offence he has caused others and damage to rugby's reputation.
Now an influential and outspoken radio broadcaster, known for his conservative views, he relayed a message Tuesday he said he received from the player.
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