cwrcyn wrote:
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My understanding is that every player in th AFL is aware of the details surrounding the incident. And people I know who work in journalism are of the opinion that it must be grim for Lovett if the papers have been willing to reveal so much before he's even been charged.
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This might once have been the case. The biggest change that the speed to market for news rendered by blogs, tweets, and the online market is the nature of the news. 20 Years ago, the editors question to their reporter was "can you prove this is true", today it's "can you prove someone said it".
The way some things have been presented could be construed as prejudicial... but as long as they limit their liability, these days they're after the glory of "breaking" the story rather than the "scoop" of an exclusive.
Beware basing too much expectation of a court's finding on the narrative of the press. They've got very different mandates and very different processes.
Eastern wrote:
Much of the negativity towards AL skyrocketed when the club acted so strongly & swiftly on the issue on Christmas Eve. This to me suggests that there are people in powerful positions within the club who believe that he is guilty of a very serious crime !!
I'd also beware of reading too much into this reaction. Lovett had been warned after his birthday incident. A move to suspend was not going to be a surprise for ANY infraction. Let alone a potentially explosive situation handed to them on Christmas eve. An indefinite suspension is the path which both covers the club for the most possible scenarios and keeps the most options open.
On one hand, I've got to admit that by this stage, I never expect to see Lovett play a game for us. On the other, until it actually rolls around, my hot air is worth no more than anyone elses, and my genuine evidence and precedent is nil.