The Des Headland Outburst!

[Lucky Knickers]

Headland should have exercised a little more thought it choosing the appropriate way to respond.

I think Des is probably feeling that his response was entirely appropriate and will be more than happy to cop a couple of weeks for smacking him in defence of his child.

[Chow-Chicker]

Persoanl insults are different to racist remarks - especially public ones. If Headland had have just told him to @@@@ off and left it at that, no one else would ever have heard them. Now his kid has to deal with it as well. Selwood should cope a fine for what he said (if he said it). Headland should have exercised a little more thought it choosing the appropriate way to respond.

Yes, but we are talking about an instinctive emotional reaction to a vile suggestion about his 6 year daughter. You have to understand that his reaction was of disbelief, shock, disgust and absolute anger all in a matter of seconds. It's very easy for us to sit here and say he should have kept his emotions in check, but I'd imagine those comments would have been like a knife going into his heart. To me, whether it is racism or pure vulgar sexual perversion of your child, it makes no difference. The end result is the same....the person has been emotionally distressed by the comments.

[Claret]

At no point have I said it was okay.

Fair enough.

But it still cannot be justified by seeing a potential weakness in an opponent (in this case Headland being a 'loose cannon') and then attempting to 'bait' them by exploiting this perceived shortcoming.

[goswannie14]

Persoanl insults are different to racist remarks - especially public ones.

This wasn't just a personal insult, it was a paedophilic suggestion. You would think even the most stupid Illegals player would deem this unacceptable...obviously not.

[ROK Lobster]

I think Des is probably feeling that his response was entirely appropriate and will be more than happy to cop a couple of weeks for smacking him in defence of his child.

All I know of the incident is what I have read here. I did not know that he had smacked him one. That's fine. I consuider that appropriate. A suspension will also be appropriate as he broke a rule. The reasons why he hit Selwood should not have been made public (this is where more consideration should have been given to actions). They should have been put before the tribunal as mitigating circumstances. Selwood should then have been called, and dealt with as the tribunal saw fit. The more I hear of this the more poorly I think it has been handled by all and sundry.

[ROK Lobster]

Yes, but we are talking about an instinctive emotional reaction to a vile suggestion about his 6 year daughter. You have to understand that his reaction was of disbelief, shock, disgust and absolute anger all in a matter of seconds.....the person has been emotionally distressed by the comments.

Especially if they are being towelled up by their tormentor - I am guessing that he was, I did not see the game.

[NMWBloods]

Fair enough.

But it still cannot be justified by seeing a potential weakness in an opponent (in this case Headland being a 'loose cannon') and then attempting to 'bait' them by exploiting this perceived shortcoming.

I find sledging to be disgusting and pathetic in any sport. However, unfortunately it's a fact of life, particlarly in professional sport. This is what I was referring to.

[Carolyn]

I find sledging to be disgusting and pathetic in any sport. However, unfortunately it's a fact of life, particlarly in professional sport. This is what I was referring to.

Sledging is a part of professional sport but it's this kind of sledging that is unacceptable. To have a go at someone's family is totally inappropriate, let alone saying that you slept with their 6 y-o daughter.

[Lucky Knickers]

Especially if they are being towelled up by their tormentor - I am guessing that he was, I did not see the game.

Actually no - Des was having a pretty good game I thought.

[hammo]

The reasons why he hit Selwood should not have been made public (this is where more consideration should have been given to actions). They should have been put before the tribunal as mitigating circumstances. Selwood should then have been called, and dealt with as the tribunal saw fit. The more I hear of this the more poorly I think it has been handled by all and sundry.

Hmmm, impossible to police. There are 22 Fremantle players and a dozen officials who could have spoken off the record to the media, or to friends and fa,ily who did it for them. As this was the biggest story in Perth today of course it was going to leak out. I am sure it wasn't the AFL who detailed the nature of the allegations.

Someone mentioned earlier that Selwood has brought the game into disrepute. That is the best comment I've read on this issue. To sexualise a 6 year old girl is absolutely disgusting, totally uncalled for and, if proven, shows the perpetrator to be devoid of all decency and morality. Once again the Eagles have tarnished the image of the entire code and should be brought to account.

Chris Judd should be looking for the first ticket out of there at the end of the season or his brilliant career will be tarnished by all this rubbish.

[cruiser]

According to 9 news, Selwood looked at the tat of his daughter that Headland has on his arm and said "I @@@@@@ her last night."

Headland replied "She's my 6 yo daughter!"

Selwood replied, "Yeah, she's a slut."

I believe this is a case of not only abuse, but bringing the game into disrepute. If proven, Selwood should not play for quite a while.

Who the hell do these people think they are? I used to dislike the Illegals, now I hate them more than Collingwood.

The Selwoods of this world are lower than low, the scum of the earth, and unfortunately this crap rubs off on the good people that are at the club, guys like Judd.

END OF VENT.

That's disgusting. Upsetting even. Selwood is scum.

[Carolyn]

Selwood is scum.

You'll find most West Coast players are.

[monopoly19]

Someone mentioned up-thread that Des should have just copped it and then made a complaint quietly after the game. In this case, I think the fact that he's had such a huge reaction to it probably necessitates more action being taken than would have happened otherwise - which I think is good.

The comment was disgusting, though I'm not convinced a suspension is worthy, though I'd still like to see him suspended...if that makes any sense. Headland's reaction is something along the lines of what you'd expect from most fathers in that situation, I imagine. Can't really fault him for it, even if sledging is a part of the game.

I think I'm generally pretty good at separating on-field from off-field stuff, but everything that has happened off the field at WC the past few years has made me respect them much less than they should (judging by their on-field performance) be respected. Not that they care

[573v30]

You'll find most West Coast players are.

And that's why we hate them so much.

[swantastic]

I'm with you Claret. It is the normal reaction of a parent to protect their child. To call that moronic lacks any understanding of parenthood. If Selwood is found guilty, Headlands charges should be thrown out.

You cant be serious GS14,Headland is a dick head for taking the bait he should have just got him back during play.I dont condone what Selwood said but it worked.