Just lately there seems to be a breakout of 'thuggery' or just plain obnoxious behaviour by elite athletes. They see the end of the season as a chance to fill themselves with alcohol and run amock over other peoples rights. . .footy. . cricket. . AFL and Rugby. . do you think that athletes who compete at the highest level should abstain from alcohol ??. . it mostly affects males in the 18-25 age group . .and too many are appearing in court and facing justice *or the lack of it*. . they earn good money for what they do . . do you think it is asking too much to expect them to set a better example in public?
DEMOCRACY = Voters deciding by Poll on who will be the local member that "Big Business" will push around.
As with anyone, I think we need to remember that we are all human beings, and thus fallible. When one is in the public eye, however, there are even higher standards expected of one. Although a $1,000 fine and 3 weeks suspension, for leaving the scene of an accident and lying about having your car stolen, is giving far too much leeway in anyone's language.
OK. . we are all fallible . . but among my friends and work colleauges nobody has ever thrown drinks out of a Pub door and aimed at a Parking Inspector doing his job. Nor have most people 'brained' their own friends in drunken brawls outside of pubs at 2am (Henley Hotel) comes to mind. . constant trouble with AFL players. When out with a group . . responsible people note a friend who is straying and get them home to bed safely . . so no public embarrassment is caused.
Sportsmen of high rank seem to be way over represented in 'accusations' of very improper conduct . . clubs have been warning them to be careful as even a minor infraction can cause accusations (both true and false) . . which take a lot of time and expense to sort out.
The mix of testosterone, beer and 'gang' mentality is bringing otherwise good games into disrepute. The wives and girlfriends of these blokes must shiver every time the boys go out for the night.
DEMOCRACY = Voters deciding by Poll on who will be the local member that "Big Business" will push around.
Your friends might not, Giz but I have seen many non sportspeople do similar and worse. The difference is that there are no cameramen following them, and no busybodies waiting for them to act inappropriately so that they can report it as important rather than the real news.
The difference is that there are no cameramen following them, and no busybodies waiting for them to act inappropriately so that they can report it as important rather than the real news.
If the above criteria fit, then the answer to that question is a resounding "yes".
The shift to the right in politics is matched by a conservative shift in public mentality, and the ability to beam someones missdeeds across the world in minutes.
The result is bad behaviour is news worthy, the "curtain twitchers" now look at the box in the corner of the room instead of the main street, they have their dirt on someone almost instantly and love to gossip about it and take them "down a peg or two".
Having said that, I believe a drunken amature footballer 30 years ago, who got paid nothing, took time off work to play, was usually given a bit of slack, a bit of wild revelry was tolerated, and often not reported by the media.
These days when you get paid millions to be an idol and role model, representing sponsors and presenting an image, they are held accountable, and rightly so.
There are still teflon coated athletes, whom find themselves in paper for missdeads regulary, but do not seem to suffer (Shane Warne anyone? can you think of any other sportsman done for performance enhancing drugs whom has kept their past records intact?) but others get crucified and loose the lot over one incident. That is unfair. Look at what Sam Rielly went through years ago over one headache tablet, her value as a marketable commodity disapeared overnight, and never really recovered even when exhonerated.
These days athletes are paid more than enough for being so much in the public eye, I reckon the amount they get paid, their own wish to be used as an image for a sponsor, and their overall "profesional status" makes them fair game.
These days athletes are paid more than enough for being so much in the public eye, I reckon the amount they get paid, their own wish to be used as an image for a sponsor, and their overall "profesional status" makes them fair game.
YES! . . they use those same cameras to get the publicity and big money they command. . when they are in a PUBLIC place throwing drinks, glasses, fists etc at the locals . . they should be flushed out . . . and when police involvement occurs. . they should be dealt with.
At the Henley Hotel one night. . their fight spilled into the street. . traffic was diverted and we were threatened and had to run for safety . .all we wanted was to have a quiet night out. . and THEY ruined it. The Papers and TV reported it the next day . .and did not report the gravity of the situation we all saw . . . then 2 appear on the TV and act as if butter would not melt . . . they are fair game then . .
DEMOCRACY = Voters deciding by Poll on who will be the local member that "Big Business" will push around.
It always amuses me that people are surprised by the "fallen idol" syndrome.
Let's face it, a percentage of the population is always going to be drunken yobbos and thugs and giving them enourmous salaries and the star treatment isn't going to change their basic personalities.
The way footballers and other atheletes are idolised and their every utterance and appearance salivated over (by the general public) gives them the power to command such huge salaries & sponsorship deals which in turn, sometimes, leads them to be rich thugs & yobbos instead of the plain old garden variety thugs and yobbos they would have been without the ridiculous income.
In the same way we get the politicians we deserve I think we get the idols we deserve too...we (the general public) are the ones who've made it possible for these idiots to be treated like untouchable gods for whom the normal rules of society don't apply (they don't have to wait for a table at a popular restaurant or wait on a queue to get into a venue or pay for a ticket to anything etc etc etc)...we can't really complain if they behave like untouchable gods for whom the normal rules of society don't apply.
Cheers, BSquared There's more to politics than left and right...find out where you sit on the polical compass by taking the world's smallest political quiz at http://www.self-gov.org/quiz.html
just felt sorry for the parking inspector that got hit by the flying drink*. .
Well I might have felt sorry if it was anyone other than a partking inspector
Cheers, BSquared There's more to politics than left and right...find out where you sit on the polical compass by taking the world's smallest political quiz at http://www.self-gov.org/quiz.html
Two more games and $4000 for Sailor By Greg Growden Chief Rugby Correspondent Wednesday, March 1, 2006
Waratahs winger Wendell Sailor will miss another two Super 14 matches and has been fined $4000 following a marathon ARU code-of-conduct hearing in Sydney last night.
The four-hour hearing, involving NSW and Australian Rugby Union officials, came after Sailor was sent home by the Waratahs for his involvement in an alcohol-fuelled altercation outside a Cape Town nightclub before the Waratahs' recent match against the Stormers. Sailor later admitted he had been intoxicated, had pushed over another nightclub patron and had vomited outside the club.
While Sailor will not appeal the decision - which was handed down as a three-match suspension but which includes the one match he has already missed because of an earlier NSW Rugby Union decision - he was visibly upset soon after being told by the hearing that he would be sidelined for another fortnight.
Sailor, who missed NSW's match last weekend against the Bulls, will miss the fourth-round clash with the Sharks in Sydney on Saturday, and the following week's encounter against the Cats at Aussie Stadium. The suspension comes at a time when NSW have been hit hard by injury. NSW are expected to be without at least five Wallabies representatives this weekend.
When asked if he was disappointed by the decision, Sailor replied: "That would be an understatement. At this point and time the NSW team need me, and this has certainly compounded the problem at the Waratahs. I have got to wear this decision though, because I did put myself in a situation and I cannot put the ARU into disrepute.
Police are expected to charge former West Coast Eagles skipper and Brownlow medallist Ben Cousins following an incident in which he abandoned his car near a booze bus.
The footballer ran off leaving his girlfriend in the four-wheel drive Mercedes Benz which was found 50 metres from the police breathalyser unit on Canning Highway in the Perth riverside suburb of Applecross two weeks ago.
Police delayed a decision on what charges to lay against the 27-year-old and others involved in the incident pending advice from the state solicitor.
A police spokesman said on Sunday the legal advice was expected on Monday and at least one charge was expected to follow against Cousins who would most likely be charged by summons.
Cousins' girlfriend of seven years Samantha Druce has meantime broken her silence on the incident telling The Sunday Times newspaper in Perth that the episode and subsequent media interest had put intense pressure on the couple's relationship.
Ms Druce, who remained in the car after Cousins and his friend real estate agent Nathan Hewitt left it, would not comment on why Cousins allegedly ran from the vehicle.
She also declined to comment on why passengers in the car allegedly lied to police about who had been driving the car.
"I'm waiting for it all to blow over. It hasn't been the easiest time - I really don't want to say any more than that. I just want it to blow over," Ms Druce told The Sunday Times
Cousins is expected to be charged with obstructing traffic while passengers in the abandoned car could be charged with more serious offences including misleading police, over information supplied to police at the time relating to who the driver of the car had been.
Cousins and Hewitt were observed by police sprinting away from a booze bus.
Police gave chase, catching Hewitt, who was breath tested but Cousins managed to elude them.
Cousins resigned from the Eagles captaincy this week saying he had, through "errors of judgment" put enormous scrutiny and pressure on the club.
"I did not intend for this to happen and hope that my decision today will alleviate some of the pressure the footy club finds itself in," Cousins told a press conference on Monday.
He is due to play in a derby against Fremantle later on Sunday and is expected to receive a fair amount of ribbing from the crowd.
West Coast's Sampi charged with assault Thursday Mar 2 11:28 AEDT
AFL player Ashley Sampi has been charged over an alleged domestic dispute, West Australian police say.
The 22-year-old West Coast Eagles footballer will appear in the Perth Magistrates' Court on Friday to answer an assault charge.
Sampi was charged after being interviewed on Wednesday night by police at Morley, in Perth's suburban north-east.
The charges relate to an alleged incident involving Sampi's girlfriend and another woman on Monday night. He is also charged with possessing a weapon.
Speaking on Wednesday before charges were laid, Eagles bosses said they would support Sampi.
"It is unfortunate for Ashley's situation, and we are really hurting for Ashley like everyone else will be. Our club will offer as much support as we can to help Ashley through this very difficult time for him," said West Coast chairman Dalton Gooding.
The charging of Sampi comes after former Eagles captain Ben Cousins was summonsed to appear in court on March 21, charged with obstructing the path of another driver and obstructing public officers.
WA Police will allege Cousins and another man abandoned a luxury 4WD Mercedes Benz on Canning Highway in Mount Pleasant, and then ran away from a roadside booze bus on February 12.
i love animals my husband, hope to make friends. Licensed eBlaher
Posts: 115
Posts Per Day: 0.32
Time Online: 10 hours 32 minutes
Location: adelaide hills
Age: 43
i think the australian public expect too much from sports people. the public put too much pressure on these people, putting them on pedistles and the media hound them. as for going out and celebrating non sporting people do that too. look at david hookes, he was celebrating with the victorian cricket team, okay he got a bit rowdy. but he didn't ask to be bashed and eventually killed. and the bouncer got off! NZ cricket board were shocked to learn that australian cricketers got paid 3 times more than their players. besides it is a male thing they have to prove who is the dominant male. i think people and the media should lay of these people a bit and yes pay them less!
for lovers of literature, music and food Junior eBlaher
Posts: 44
Posts Per Day: 0.13
Time Online: 13 hours 36 minutes
Location: Sydney
Age: 35
Sports people are role models. They are role models for younger generations.
They represent their country, accept huge pay packets and adulation that go with sporting excellence. Because of these things, they voluntarily place themselves in a special category of national hero and should be expected to behave appropriately.
At home or abroad they carry the aspirations of a nation whenever they run out onto a sporting field. We expect of them the same excellence in behaviour off the field (or golf course, tennis court, or wherever) as they demonstrate on it.
Yes, we do expect a lot from our sportsmen but the privileged life of fame and fortune comes at a price - the price of delivery honorable behaviour to the public. This is not a modern phenomenon, Marco Polo spent many years in the court of one of the great Mongolian Kahns. He wanted to marry one of the court dancers but was denied because the Kahn wanted to send this dancer off as a bride to a political ally. Marco Polo was upset because the Kahn knew of his interest.
It took another member of the court to explain to him that when you accept the life of privilege, status and wealth within the Kahn's court then it comes at a price. You do what the Kahn expects of you.
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.
Wayne Carey arrested JANE METLIKOVEC and SHANNON McRAE January 28, 2008 12:00am
AFL legend Wayne Carey had to be subdued before being handcuffed and arrested last night after allegedly assaulting police at his Melbourne home.
Police used capsicum spray on the former Kangaroos champion at his Port Melbourne home.
Police spokesman Sen-Constable Wayne Wilson said a brief of evidence would be prepared in relation to allegations of assault of police.
He said the matter involved two officers.
Police sources said Carey called police to the apartment he shares with girlfriend Kate Neilson just after 8pm.
He allegedly wanted Ms Neilson removed from the apartment, but when five police cars arrived he refused to let any officers inside.
Carey then allegedly assaulted police when they tried to enter the apartment, and resisted arrest.
Police used the spray to subdue him before handcuffing him.
Paramedics were called to the foyer of the complex to treat Carey, as is standard police practice when capsicum spray has been used.
Police took him to St Kilda police station about 8.30pm.
Witnesses said Ms Neilson left the apartment with police shortly before 9pm.
Carey was released by police before 10.30 last night, and went home.
A neighbour, who arrived home at the same time as Carey was being questioned by police, said the former footballer appeared confused and heavily affected by the capsicum spray.
"I came in to the lobby and I saw Wayne sitting in handcuffs," the witness said.
"He looked a bit agitated. His face was bright red. The paramedics were looking into his eyes and seemed to be checking him out.
"Wayne was very quiet. He wasn't saying much."
The neighbour said he often saw Ms Neilson and Carey in the apartment block, which is one of Port Melbourne's most exclusive addresses.
They kept to themselves and there was never any trouble, the neighbour said.
Another neighbour said she had seen the commotion.
"There seemed to be a lot of police around but Wayne seemed pretty calm," she said, adding "it was much ado about nothing".
A couple who live opposite Carey's apartment building watched from their balcony as the fracas wound down.
The man and woman, who did not want to be named, also said Carey had seemed subdued.
"They had him handcuffed and there was a woman, too, that they took away in a police car," he said.
I have considered this guy a complete idiot since he was caught in the bathroom with his best mates wife! This latest news re Wayne has only instilled my belief even further.
Wayne Carey is the subject of criminal investigation Article from: Herald Sun MARK BUTTLER, KEITH MOOR
January 29, 2008 02:10pm
AFL legend Wayne Carey has been axed from a radio commentary job and replaced with Nathan Buckley, as footage emerged of the star in handcuffs.
Melbourne radio station 3AW has cut ties with Carey and recruited former Collingwood star Buckley, station chief Graham Mott today confirmed.
Mr Mott said the decision was made before Christmas and "totally not connected" to Carey's clash with police that ended with him handcuffed and sprayed with capsicum this week.
He said it was unfair for the media to relate the events. "I feel for Wayne," Mr Mott said.
The station wooed Buckley after Carey's special comments gig ended last season. But the deal was yet to be signed so had not been made public.
The football great is now the subject of a criminal investigation that could end with him facing charges of assaulting police and also resisting arrest. Channel Nine refused to comment on Carey's future.
Sunday's clash in Port Melbourne was the second time a confrontation between Carey, 36, and his girlfriend, Kate Neilson, had led to police involvement.
In 2006, she alleged he assaulted her but later denied making a complaint. On Sunday night, police tried to enter their Rouse St apartment to check on the welfare of others at the property after Carey called to say he wanted two women removed.
It was at that point Carey lashed out at the officers, who sprayed him with capsicum.
Police then handcuffed the former North Melbourne superstar, led him downstairs and used water to wash the stinging liquid from his eyes.
A woman, believed to be Ms Neilson, was sobbing nearby.
The other woman at the apartment was Sabella Sugar, a friend of Ms Neilson.
The pair were photographed last month at the launch of the Silver Lining Ball at Valve nightclub in Prahran.
Ms Neilson is believed to have declined offers of protection made by police.
Detectives from Prahran CIU are expected to interview Carey, Ms Neilson and Ms Sugar. They will prepare a brief of evidence on whether charges should be laid.
Carey and Ms Neilson could not be contacted for comment.
Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon suggested Carey could learn a lot from Essendon great James Hird on how to be a role model.
She would not comment specifically on Carey's latest run-in with police, but she did say it was important for present and retired sports stars to behave responsibly.
Ms Nixon said they were role models for children and should act accordingly.
"I know we are talking about Wayne Carey, he's one instance," she said.
"But if you think about others, like James Hird, like Adam Gilchrist, Pat Rafter. Those people are role models and they are terrific.
"They are young men who are out there as great examples of being involved in the community. They made good things out of their lives.
"Whether people in sport like it or not, they are role models. They are people who put in a huge amount of effort. They focus. They achieve their goals.
"It's terrific for kids and the community to have people who they admire and they can see have set goals in life and achieved them."
Ms Nixon said some sportsmen might see being a role model as a burden, but it was a burden they should be prepared to accept.
The Seven Network last night aired what it described as exclusive security footage from Carey's apartment building.
Nine reporter Tony Jones said a security guard offered Nine the same footage for $20,000 but the network refused for fear the images were stolen.
Wayne Carey is facing serious charges in the US after allegedly smashing a wine glass in his girlfriend's face before getting into a fight with two policemen in a luxury Miami hotel, authorities say. The former AFL great could spend up to 15 years in an American jail if convicted.
Miami police were called to the five-star Mandarin Oriental Hotel about midnight on October 27 after reports of a domestic dispute. When they arrived, Carey's girlfriend of more than two years, Kate Neilson, allegedly told them the football-great-turned-commentator had smashed a wine glass on her face, cutting her mouth and neck. The two police officers went to the couple's room and attempted to wake Carey who was asleep on the bed. Carey became belligerent when the two officers tried to talk to him about the incident, Miami Police Lieutenant Bill Schwartz told TODAY. In his incident report, officer Daniel Rodriguez said he tapped Carey on the shoulder to wake him, at which point he stirred and began yelling "obscenities". "I explained to the defendant that we were there [in] reference to the incident with his girlfriend. At this point he became aggressive and jumped out of bed and began [a confrontation] with [us]." Officer Rodriguez alleged Carey pushed him and kicked him in the mouth, and elbowed his partner, officer Camilo Hernandez, in the face as they attempted to arrest him. "They had to wrestle him down and handcuff him," Lieutenant Schwartz said. As Carey, 36, was led from his hotel room, he continued "to push Officer Camilo, despite being in restraints, using his stomach and side", Rodriguez said. Carey continued to be aggressive in the police car, smashing his head against the inside of the car's prison compartment. The officers were forced to put his legs in manacles to control him. "He used his head as a battering ram and tried to smash a hole between the front compartment of the police car and the prison compartment," Lieutenant Schwartz said. Carey was taken to Dade County jail where he was charged with assaulting a public servant, resisting an officer with violence, and aggravated assault. He is due to face the Miami-Dade County Court on February 15. If convicted of third degree felony charges in Florida, cumulative penalties could run up to 15 years in jail, according to police. Asked about his state of mind at the time of the incident, Lieutenant Schwartz said he thought Carey had "anger management issues". "He seems to be angry at the whole world — at least on this particular morning." "He was a mess. I think he should have left his aggression on the rugby field." Lieutenant Schwartz said the officers' injuries were very minor. "I doubt in a case like this, extradition will be forced. However, I'm sure the cops with the sore faces and fat lips would like to see it." Lieutenant Schwartz said the officers had no idea who Carey was. "To us he was just another thug who went to jail," he said. Carey, who played 271 AFL games with the Kangaroos and Adelaide Crows, was arrested on the weekend for allegedly assaulting police during a domestic dispute at his home in Port Melbourne. He had to be subdued by capsicum spray before being handcuffed and taken to the St Kilda Road police station. Police said after he was interviewed a brief of evidence was being prepared. Carey had called police to say he wanted a woman removed from his apartment. Comment was being sought from Carey.
Canterbury Bulldogs star Ben Roberts charged in Wollongong Article from: The Daily Telegraph By Phil Rothfield February 04, 2008 12:00am
CAPSICUM spray was used by police to subdue Bulldogs star Ben Roberts who was charged with resisting arrest and assault after a wild night out in Wollongong.
The club's chief executive Malcolm Noad last night confirmed the club was conducting an internal investigation and talking to police after being made aware of the the halfback's arrest yesterday morning.
"We're extremely concerned and disappointed that Ben's been charged," Noad said.
"But there were other circumstances which preceded his arrest and we understand police are investigating what happened prior to his arrest.
"We're told Ben had been set upon by an unknown group of males.
"He was king hit and kicked on the ground until he was unconscious."
The Daily Telegraph understands Roberts, 22, was taken to Wollongong Hospital by friends for treatment before returning to the Glasshouse Nightclub.
The incident that led to his charges occurred when he was being questioned by police about the brawl earlier in the night.
According to NSW Police spokeswoman, Roberts was "allegedly intoxicated and refusing to leave the area" about 2.40am.
The spokeswoman said he was involved in an altercation with police and capsicum spray was used to subdue him.
Roberts has been excused from training today while he seeks further medical treatment.
"He has had a number of tests today including a brain scan and he's not all that well at the moment," Noad said.
He was taken to Wollongong Police station and charged with resist arrest, common assault, refuse to comply with police direction and offensive behaviour.
Roberts, of Narellan Vale, was bailed to appear in Wollongong Local Court later this month.
Logged
