Sex assault victims' groups hit out Milne selection

[bigcarl]

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victor ... 6677837555

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victor ... 6677837555

SEXUAL assault victims' groups have slammed St Kilda and the AFL for the Saints' decision to select Stephen Milne to play while he fights rape charges.

Advocacy groups have also called on the AFL to develop stronger rules on how clubs deal with players charged with serious sexual assaults.

These people seem to regard presumption of innocence as something that should not extend to Milne!

[saintbrat]

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victor ... 6677837555

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victor ... 6677837555

SEXUAL assault victims' groups have slammed St Kilda and the AFL for the Saints' decision to select Stephen Milne to play while he fights rape charges.

Advocacy groups have also called on the AFL to develop stronger rules on how clubs deal with players charged with serious sexual assaults.

These people seem to regard presumption of innocence as something that should not extend to Milne!

after how the herald Sun dealt with the last St Kilda and Femal issue- pregnancy I don't know they have much to stand on-- fact was never admited by them.

-- But as the Sports journos show' respect for the footballer and don't discuss due to senstivity the ' Social media' journos have a field day

[Old Mate]

...

[NOTTHATAWKWARD]

This is honestly one of the hardest moral questions I have had to pose at myself for a very long time and it does not get any easier and I would like to think if this was another team's player my opinion would be the same, but I can't answer that. I believe we have led a good example by bestowing the ideology of 'innocent until proven guilty' and not restricting Milne of his civil liberties as a free man. I can totally understand and empathise with why a sexual assault victims groups would think playing Milne is a bad decision, the blame should be on the AFL for not having procedure and regulations set in place for cases like this, we are just doing right by our employee.

[dals_da_bomb]

Notthatawkward, I agree, found myself nodding while reading your post. I'm not sure there was a correct way to handle this situation. I can't find a solution in my own mind. Afl must believe freedom to play while awaiting court. What however is the procedure should that player be found guilty? That surely will see the media, half of Australia, sponsors and the rest of them (like these groups) completely lose their s$&!

[NOTTHATAWKWARD]

Also if you are so deluded to think that their isn't some validity to a sexual assault victims group being appalled by this decision then you need your head checked.

[dals_da_bomb]

I would be very surprised If anyone felt that way

[markp]

Yeah yelling ''what about the presumption of innocence?'' on saturday night should quieten the baying crowd down.

Club between a rock and a hard place on this.... PR and brand wise it's an awful look, and we'll haemorrhage for it.

[Playon]

Or If we take Milnes side

Footy player sl*t angry at wrong player.

Footy player sl*t rues sex with wrong victim.

Footy player sl*t gets even after casual affair

Footy player sl*t not satisfied

Seriously it needs to go to court and if he's guilty hang him. But until then we can all make stupid comments.

I feel sorry for his family and hope that after all this they can still cope and for his kids sake I hope he's not convicted.

[mullet]

Did I miss something. Was Milney found guilty? Did he admit to raping the girl?

Why dont we just throw him to the lions. Seriously, I'm am sure these victims have suffered, however, Milne hasnt has an opportunity to clear himself. This is what the trial is for so the girl can give her evidence and Milne can give his.

Oh stuff it, lets just stone him

[plugger66]

Or If we take Milnes side

Footy player sl*t angry at wrong player.

Footy player sl*t rues sex with wrong victim.

Footy player sl*t gets even after casual affair

Footy player sl*t not satisfied

Seriously it needs to go to court and if he's guilty hang him. But until then we can all make stupid comments.

I feel sorry for his family and hope that after all this they can still cope and for his kids sake I hope he's not convicted.

Pathetic even if looking at Milnes side. milne has been charged. She hasnt been charged with anything. Anyway this was always going to happen and that is why it was a risk to our club when we eventually did pick him. Im more worried about supporters on both sides on Saturday night. Could get real ugly.

[markp]

Yeah charged with 4 counts of rape vs playing a game of footy.... Obviously playing a game of footy is more important.

Just as obviously as him not being able to play footy would be akin to stoning him to death.

[saintspremiers]

Or If we take Milnes side

Footy player sl*t angry at wrong player.

Footy player sl*t rues sex with wrong victim.

Footy player sl*t gets even after casual affair

Footy player sl*t not satisfied

Seriously it needs to go to court and if he's guilty hang him. But until then we can all make stupid comments.

I feel sorry for his family and hope that after all this they can still cope and for his kids sake I hope he's not convicted.

Pathetic even if looking at Milnes side. milne has been charged. She hasnt been charged with anything. Anyway this was always going to happen and that is why it was a risk to our club when we eventually did pick him. Im more worried about supporters on both sides on Saturday night. Could get real ugly.

Most likely will, given it's a night game to boot.

A positive is that it could do Milkshake's head in.

[plugger66]

Or If we take Milnes side

Footy player sl*t angry at wrong player.

Footy player sl*t rues sex with wrong victim.

Footy player sl*t gets even after casual affair

Footy player sl*t not satisfied

Seriously it needs to go to court and if he's guilty hang him. But until then we can all make stupid comments.

I feel sorry for his family and hope that after all this they can still cope and for his kids sake I hope he's not convicted.

Pathetic even if looking at Milnes side. milne has been charged. She hasnt been charged with anything. Anyway this was always going to happen and that is why it was a risk to our club when we eventually did pick him. Im more worried about supporters on both sides on Saturday night. Could get real ugly.

Most likely will, given it's a night game to boot.

A positive is that it could do Milkshake's head in.

To be honest i couldnt give a stuff about MM. Im more worried about Milney, the girl, the families and people in the crowd. And both sides of the crowd. Like you said a night game doesnt help either. Maybe it had to eventually happen but also maybe the Port game was a better option.

[bigcarl]

Also if you are so deluded to think that their isn't some validity to a sexual assault victims group being appalled by this decision then you need your head checked.

The bloke hasn't been found guilty of anything yet. Sure, if he was a convicted rapist it's a different thing altogether. Innocent until proven guilty. It's a fundamental fixture of a democratic legal system.

[plugger66]

Also if you are so deluded to think that their isn't some validity to a sexual assault victims group being appalled by this decision then you need your head checked.

The bloke hasn't been found guilty of anything yet. Sure, if he was a convicted rapist it's a different thing altogether. Innocent until proven guilty. It's a fundamental fixture of a democratic legal system.

The problem is rape is one of the most serious crimes you can be charged with. I know murder is obviously much worse but there isnt a chance in the world a potential murderer would be allowed to play. I certainly can see both sides as to whether he should play or not.

[maverick]

Pathetic even if looking at Milnes side. milne has been charged. She hasnt been charged with anything. Anyway this was always going to happen and that is why it was a risk to our club when we eventually did pick him. Im more worried about supporters on both sides on Saturday night. Could get real ugly.

Most likely will, given it's a night game to boot.

A positive is that it could do Milkshake's head in.

To be honest i couldnt give a stuff about MM. Im more worried about Milney, the girl, the families and people in the crowd. And both sides of the crowd. Like you said a night game doesnt help either. Maybe it had to eventually happen but also maybe the Port game was a better option.

I agree completely, I'm not going because of it, can't take the kids.
The blues supporters were bad enough before this.
Do feel for all concerned, no one wins in all of this, the justice system just moves too slow.

[bigcarl]

I know murder is obviously much worse but there isnt a chance in the world a potential murderer would be allowed to play.

Why not? To not play him would be presumption of guilt wouldn't it? Others will disagree, but in my book legally and morally the club is okay on this one. Innocent until proven otherwise.

[maverick]

Yeah charged with 4 counts of rape vs playing a game of footy.... Obviously playing a game of footy is more important.

Just as obviously as him not being able to play footy would be akin to stoning him to death.

Don't get our point, is there one?

[plugger66]

I know murder is obviously much worse but there isnt a chance in the world a potential murderer would be allowed to play.

Why not? To not play him would be presumption of guilt wouldn't it? Others will disagree, but in my book legally and morally the club is okay on this one. Innocent until proven otherwise.

Tell me you are joking. You honestly think a person charged with murder should be able to play. Probably no hope of bail but if any club tried that the AFL would quite rightly take away the players licence to play.

[mullet]

Also if you are so deluded to think that their isn't some validity to a sexual assault victims group being appalled by this decision then you need your head checked.

The bloke hasn't been found guilty of anything yet. Sure, if he was a convicted rapist it's a different thing altogether. Innocent until proven guilty. It's a fundamental fixture of a democratic legal system.

Exactly, playing footy is his job, isnt he allowed to work to pay his legal bills.

And if people are worried then dont go, simple. As if anyone cares if people go or not.

[matrix]

he wouldve been paid even if not playing

but the whole situation whether he plays or doesnt was always going to end up a complete shambles when he finally did take the park

lose/lose situation

[maverick]

Also if you are so deluded to think that their isn't some validity to a sexual assault victims group being appalled by this decision then you need your head checked.

The bloke hasn't been found guilty of anything yet. Sure, if he was a convicted rapist it's a different thing altogether. Innocent until proven guilty. It's a fundamental fixture of a democratic legal system.

The problem is rape is one of the most serious crimes you can be charged with. I know murder is obviously much worse but there isnt a chance in the world a potential murderer would be allowed to play. I certainly can see both sides as to whether he should play or not.

Don't think it helps anything for victims groups to come out in this fashion.
Only inflames things and puts innocent spectators at risk.
Not enough social responsibility being taken here from any leaders, AFL, journalists, etc.
Should be calling for calm.

[bigcarl]

You honestly think a person charged with murder should be able to play.

If he's out on bail then yes. He still hasn't been found guilty ... so to not play him would be a presumption of guilt.

I'm not sure you understand the concept of "presumption of innocence".

[whiskers3614]

A more selfless player would have stood aside to save the club dramas.
Milne and selfless in the same sentence, now that is a paradox!