Swans lead way in education

[Reggi]

Swans lead way in education
By Nikki Tugwell
March 17, 2004

MOST AFL clubs followed the Swans lead yesterday in reinforcing their support for the AFL Players Association education programs.

The Swans leadership group requested an additional education lecture from the ALFPA following the allegations against the Bulldogs in the NRL.

The ALFPA, who facilitate the programs in conjunction with the AFL and clubs, yesterday released a statement after St Kilda confirmed police were investigating allegations of "a serious sexual nature" against Stephen Milne and Leigh Montagna.

"The AFLPA takes an active role in educating and informing players of their individual responsibilities. No inference should be drawn from the existence of the educational programs in respect of these specific allegations, nor generally in relation to the attitudes of AFL footballers.

"These programs are reinforced by the Code of Conduct, which was developed by the AFLPA and the AFL in 1999. The Code specifically addresses conduct both within and outside the playing arena."

The programs cover AFL players and the law, speeding and drink driving, cross-cultural awareness, gambling, drink-driving, family planning - sexual health, illicit drugs, racial vilification and sexual harassment.

The education program begins at the annual induction camp for all newly drafted players and continues throughout a player's career, with presentations made at club level regularly throughout the season.

Swans football operations manager Andrew Ireland said the AFL and clubs tried to give players a well-rounded view of their social obligations.

The Daily Telegraph

[SWANSBEST]

That article reflects well on the Swans . Far better for us than the 2 mug shots and story on the front page of the Telecrap which will have a residual effect . Some people say that "any publicity is good publicity" but in regard to the allegations against the 2 players concerned I could not imagine much worse for the Saints or the AFL even if the players are not charged or found not guilty if charged .

[liz]

Originally posted by SWANSBEST
That article reflects well on the Swans . Far better for us than the 2 mug shots and story on the front page of the Telecrap which will have a residual effect . Some people say that "any publicity is good publicity" but in regard to the allegations against the 2 players concerned I could not imagine much worse for the Saints or the AFL even if the players are not charged or found not guilty if charged .

That front page spread by the Telecrap was appalling IMHO. I in no way condone the alleged behaviour but at this stage these two young men are innocent. They deserve to have that presumption of innocence preserved until a court of law determines otherwise. Reporting the story is one thing. Splashing their pictures on the front page of a tabloid is something quite different.

[NMWBloods]

I'd suggest lawyers on both sides are heavily involved with a fine tooth comb!!

[Adz]

I suppose though having them named takes the heat of all the other St Kilda players who would unfairly be under suspicion. Much like the Bulldogs in the rugby league. But i agree on the front page of the tele is a bit much.

[Rod_]

The Sydney papers have been primed for a while to get names into the paper... (Probably, NRL names but any footballer will do) Unfortunately this issue has hit and the Saints named names to protect the innocent and the NRL players are hidden in the smoke haze.

I agree with 110% innocent until proven guilty. No trial by media, however these blood thirsty @#$#%$^%^ reporters have now whipped the public into a frenzy...

Football clubs are reflective of public views. The public needs to change our views.

If a local girl went out with Joe Bloggs (assumed name and job) from the local fish market and she claimed the next day of a simular occurrence, the media would not report to the same level and no one would care or say isn't that sad.... would that make all fishermen bad

Why does the media need to use a recreational activities to promote good morals? This is something that people choose all by themselves. Guided by their own individual circumstances. Everyone has morals, some select high moral ground and others not so high. Personal choice - By either party...

Why imply that only football codes have these problems when the girl that dated a fisherman is not reported at all or only rates on page 10 in one line report...

I agree that each and every case has to be investigated, however don't trail by media.

Why doesn't the media ask the following questions? Why did these girls go went where they did? What their intent was? How was what the intent of the night articulated to and by each of the other parties involved. When was the Red light flashed... How was the No don't do that or don't go there explained and when..... In the morning after the event? Very one sided reporting at the moment. When does the tease go too far? Why do girls let their guards down?. (They got themselves into a position where things could get out of hand.... silly) Public place = public / socially acceptable behaviour only, Private place = Private activities by consenting adults. (However weird that may be - consensual is the key word)

How does a guy know and what are the signals now? It seems that the rules to the dating game have changed again.... (Please I don't have to play this game any more.... Married, Fat and 40 +)

The wash of this will haunt for a while and not much good will come from it...... If these gooses are found to be guilty - they will be sacked and Goaled, if innocent - the girls will be labled as having low morals.. Loose loose situation.

Fight a battle that can be won and maintain standards.

Rod_

[monopoly19]

Originally posted by Rod_
If a local girl went out with Joe Bloggs (assumed name and job) from the local fish market and she claimed the next day of a simular occurrence, the media would not report to the same level and no one would care or say isn't that sad.... would that make all fishermen bad

No one is saying that all footballers are bad, but there does seem to be a pervading culture that needs to be adressed.

Why doesn't the media ask the following questions?

Because they are somewhat irrelevant when it comes down to whether a crime was committed. Maybe they are football groupies, maybe they were dressed like skanks, maybe they contacted the boys earlier looking for some action...it doesn't suddenly mean that a woman can't decide when she wants to have sex (or stop).

When does the tease go too far? Why do girls let their guards down?. (They got themselves into a position where things could get out of hand.... silly)

Why don't we just tell them it was their own fault and let the boys get back to playing footy.

How does a guy know and what are the signals now? It seems that the rules to the dating game have changed again....

Changed since when? Back in the day when men could freely have their way with women? Yeah, I'd say it's changed since then.

if innocent - the girls will be labled as having low morals...

Or we could just follow your lead and do this already.

[sharp9]

Absolutely spot on Monopoly.

The reason it is implied that football codes have a problem is, wait for it.......THEY DO HAVE A PROBLEM!

Sometimes the truth is a pain in the ass, isn't it, Rod?

[BAM_BAM]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Rod_

If a local girl went out with Joe Bloggs (assumed name and job) from the local fish market and she claimed the next day of a simular occurrence, the media would not report to the same level and no one would care or say isn't that sad.... would that make all fishermen bad

Why does the media need to use a recreational activities to promote good morals?


I tend to remember when the trials were on for those animals who pack raped the girls from Bankstown/Greenacre areas that the paper were full of reports of this and yes it was painting a pretty bad picture for the accused. Agree it was decided by a jury of their peers to be the correct picture. But at the time of publication?




Why imply that only football codes have these problems when the girl that dated a fisherman is not reported at all or only rates on page 10 in one line report...



Obviously which will sell more papers? It's wrong, but they sell papers to make money, not to inform the masses.

Call it tall Poppy syndrome or just our (un)healthy interest in all things glamorous or Americanised. We like to read about the people who live "the good life". Look at the amount of papers Princess Di sold when alive. Even now, put her on the cover of No Idea and it sells like hot cakes. It just so happens that this time an incident involves footy players. How many incidents like this are covered up by the wealthy TV/Film stars as they have money to throw at the problem, unlike the footy players.[/B]



and in reference to the rest, all I can say is ... well said Monopoly19

[TheHood]

Bring on the season so the sport stays on the back pages I say. The media are bored and need a story milked to death.

The only other thing I will say about this is, why?

Why would a person like say Kobe Bryant need to get rough and muscle and rape a girl? I would suggest that there would be close to 1,000,000 female basketball worshippers in the USA that would gladly oblige. I am cynical about this particular girl's motives but of course I could be wrong.

As for the St Kilda boys, well I don't know why I say this but my feeling is that something did happen and that it wasn't known to them (Yappa and Joe) because the female didn't "resist" at the time and now it will come down to a matter of interpretation maybe.

I can't see it as being a great defence though. I mean just because I didn't ask the guy who stole my wallet, not to steal it, doesn't mean he should get away with it!

[Rod_]

Isolated comments taken out of context make an honest opinion seem sleezy - for that I appoligise if I have offended.

I agree that the truth is a necessary pain!

And the truth is all that is wanted.

However this is a loose loose situation. Footy looses, players loose and the girls involved loose. And in 3 weeks the tabloids will be attacking someone else about something else with nothing solved in this issue.

I am trying to say that the media should try and do some good not harm would be nice! Sure elevate this problem - identify the problem - but run away and attack something else in 3 weeks is not being part of the solution, just adding to the problem.

No means no and hang them high if that line has been crossed. But why hang them before all the facts are known?

Rod_

[liz]

Originally posted by TheHood

Why would a person like say Kobe Bryant need to get rough and muscle and rape a girl? I would suggest that there would be close to 1,000,000 female basketball worshippers in the USA that would gladly oblige. I am cynical about this particular girl's motives but of course I could be wrong.

I know nothing about the Kobe Bryant situation (haven't even read a single article about it) so my comments aren't directed specifically towards that incident.

But rape is very rarely about sexual gratification and almost always about the use (and abuse) of power. The same goes for many other kinds of "sex crime" like harassment.

And while not illegal, the reports of a culture of gang banging even willing groupies also suggests an abuse of power, which is why some find the reported (and in some instances, acknowledged) behaviour within the football world somewhat distasteful.

[Reggi]

There are unfortuante parallels with the Kobe Bryant case in what people tend to be saying about the girls.

The accusations thown at the girl are pretty severe, including that she had sex with someone else soon afterwards.

Though I think some sensible debate needs to go on if everyone generally is going to come to some agreed principles.

I mean sex between consenting adults - is well - great. But clearly when someone draws the line - irrespective of what goes on before - that is the line - it must be respected.

Unfortunately it appears many footballers have failed to see that.

Something else to add - whilst some people may say these girls may be a bit naive - there is no way these guys would not have been aware that they were doing the wrong thing and breaking the law.

I also find it a bit rich painting the footballers as 'victims', yes the media sensationalised - but the players certainly did provide them with the content to run with. These players certainly enjoyed the fruits of celebrity when it was in their favour.

Can't say that we should in any way feel soory for them when that is no longer the case

[Bron]

The football manager at the Pitbulls got the flick today because he didn't protect the players. IMHO, the players should be getting the flick. They were the ones who went beyond the rules of the Club and allegedly of appropriate behaviour.

Hanging out till dawn whilst on a training camp was against the Club rules. Taking a woman back to the room was against the Club rules. et al.

Regardless of the rape situation, they broke the rules. The players should take responsibility.

And if rape is proven, then I would be amazed if a court found the football manager responsible ... each individual must take responsibility for their own actions ... a) within the law and b) within moralilty.

One of the issues with our current society is that people don't take responsibility for their own actions .... oh I spilt that hot coffee on me - Macdonalds should pay me money, oh I tripped in that pothole that was in plain view - the council should pay me, oh I dived into the surf when I was drunk and there wasn't a sign (that I would have ignored anyway) - the council should pay me ....

People fundamentally know what is right and wrong .... if your behaviour hurts or puts at risk someone else, then it's wrong. Legally or not, it's immoral.