+1cwrcyn wrote: ↑Thu 07 Mar 2024 2:35pm Yes, I'd say that suspensions handed out during Michael Christian's tenure have for the most part been hopelessly inadequate. He should have been moved on three years ago. His appalling failure with the Pickett two week suspension last year should have been the final nail in his coffin.
However, it represents a broader failure of the AFL commission and of the rules committee which it employs. They have allowed themselves to be bullied by the thugs who always pop their heads up when a controversial case is being considered. The tired catch cry of " it's a man's game" or " we're turning it into basketball". It's the usual morons like Sam Newman, Dermot Brereton, Cameron Mooney, etc. All thugs during their playing days.
The weakness shown by the Administration in the face of these old thugs is embarrassing and infuriating.
Thank goodness for David King. He has been a champion of this cause for many years and is still the strongest and most sensible voice.
The AFL will fail us again, no doubt, and that saddens me. How awful that the broader football community can have have zero faith in the body that is supposed to be protecting the welfare of its players.
Talk is cheap. Action requires both intelligence and a genuine resolve.
Great post