Canterbury football boss Phil Gould has been fined $20,000 by the NRL for a tirade on Channel Nine that was "considered to be detrimental to the best interests of the game".
Speaking in his regular spot on Nine's 100% Footy program on Monday night, Gould fired up over a series of issues, saying "our game is so stupid".
Gould, who is a regular Nine commentator as well as the Bulldogs' general manager of football, took aim at a 'no try' ruling against Tigers hooker Api Koroisau in their clash with Brisbane, obstructions, as well as new rules around kick disruptors and dropouts.
"What sort of stupid game is this?" he said.
"Who sits and makes up these rules? … We are so stupid with our rules."
The NRL hit him with a breach notice and a $20,000 fine, half of which would be suspended for 24 months.
During his screed, Gould also criticised suggestions the league could do away with kick-offs over concussion concerns after Dragons centre Mosese Suli was knocked out against the Roosters while trying to make a tackle.
"Leave the game alone. We are tearing it apart," Gould said.
"It is really frustrating watching our game be torn apart by everybody bar the coaches and the players, it just drives me mad.
"Doctors, lawyers and fans on social media, that's all they listen to. They don't listen to players."
The legendary coach-turned-commentator has become famous for exasperated rants on Nine, recently taking repeated aim at rules around head knocks and concussions.
The NRL has rules for people employed by the league or clubs that they are not to engage in conduct detrimental to the game.
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said "we welcome constructive criticism and passionate opinions", but Gould's comments "overstepped the mark".
"Destructive attacks on the game itself will not be tolerated," Abdo said.
"This is a professional sport and our leaders should set the standard around reasoned debate and respect for the game."
Gould has five business days to respond to the breach notice, although he did tweet shortly after it was made official: "Rugby League … Its a funny game …".
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