Editorial: Zac must sort it out

Naked, drunk guy wandering into a bar might be considered funny but a naked drunk guy allegedly wandering into a bar and randomly punching a couple of strangers is far from funny.

It would be shocking for anyone to behave like that. Unfortunately for All Black Zac Guildford, he isn't just anyone.

He recently admitted to having a drinking problem and made a promise to All Blacks coaches he would take steps to rectify it but it seems he has a long way to go.

If the reports about what happened in Rarotonga are correct, he was "completely out of it" and his nakedness aside, his aggressive behaviour takes things a whole lot further than a few drinks too many.

He reportedly can't remember what happened and is said to be hurting and ashamed - as he should be.

The New Zealand Rugby Union has already given him support following an earlier incident and now says it will help him if he's in trouble. That's great but the union also needs to draw the line somewhere. If Guildford doesn't shape up this time, it may just have to cut him loose.

Incidents like this do nothing for the image or perceived culture of a sport and there are plenty of other players who would jump at the opportunities Guildford has been given.

He hasn't just let himself down. Like it or not, any athlete representing region or country is a role model. Being a role model means they are in the public spotlight - on the clock or not and even when on holiday.

England's Mike Tindall discovered bad behaviour can be career-ending after his drunken misbehaviour with a woman in a New Zealand bar during the Rugby World Cup. Guildford is headed the same way if he doesn't get himself sorted.

He has plenty of supporters who say he should be given a break, that it's not his fault, that he never got over his father's sudden death two years ago. Many people go through tragedy and hardship in their lives. It's no excuse for outright bad behaviour.