Ryan Bridge: Netball New Zealand is silent – again

Netball New Zealand's board strikes again. And is refusing to do interviews. Again.  

I don't know what it is with these guys but every time there's a bit of good news to celebrate, like the Silver Ferns winning the Constellation Cup, Netball NZ straps on the suicide vest and wanders into the conversation to blow things up.  

Last week they turned down the Mowbray/Williams bid for a private domestic competition. Without warning.  

Williams and Mowbray were told the day after the decision was made and the damage done.  

Nathan Limm, who you'll know from our sport panels, wrote at the weekend about players having to go on the dole because there's no certainty and no contracts to sign.  

The blow-up basically comes down to Netball NZ's principles, at least according to a statement from the CEO.  

They couldn't do a deal because their principles got in the way. 

Anyone reading that will assume it means they worried the money would be put before the sport.  

But for the players, there's no sport without the money. Otherwise, you're on the dole. 

And as for Netball NZ's claim that they're priority is giving players clarity as soon as possible?  

The CEO's communication team has not replied to our requests for an interview.