Confused by yesterday’s shrill reaction to the latest AFL ‘scandal’? Is a couple of footballers betting on a pre-season game in the same league as other recent scandals?
Here are some helpful questions and answers to consider before venturing anywhere where people publically express opinions:
| Issue |
Bulldogs |
Essendon |
Adelaide |
| Was the potential infraction self-reported?
|
Yes |
Once the jig was up |
Once the jig was up |
| Did the club fully cooperate with investigators?
|
Yes |
Initially |
Once the jig was up |
| Did the alleged infraction potentially damage the health of players?
|
No |
Yes |
Does Balfours count? |
| Is the AFL tied to international codes on these issues?
|
No |
Yes |
No |
| Has potential illegality occurred?
|
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Does the alleged infraction have the potential to bring the game into disrepute?
|
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Does the investigation focus on a systematic, club mandated attempt to subvert the competition?
|
Unlikely |
Yes |
Yes |
| Have other clubs / players potentially done this?
|
Yes |
Yes |
cough… visy |
| Did the alleged infraction potentially compromise the premiership season / individual honours counts? |
No |
Yes |
In hindsight, no |
| Did the club / senior officials attempt to halt the investigation on technical grounds?
|
Not yet |
Yes |
No |
| Does the club involved actually know what did happen?
|
Likely yes |
Maybe |
Yes |
| Did the AFL CEO claim the club had not fully cooperated despite evidence to the contrary?
|
N/A |
No |
Yes |
Spot on , Dave the crows penalty was completely mind boggling and idiotic
Thanks Dave, loving the liberal use of the word ‘scandal’ on this one.
We’re not talking point shaving or referee bribery here, nor are we talking about a proper H&A game and big money to be made. This isn’t a scandal. It’s foolish by the player concerned and not a great look to back your team to lose, but this story may have had more to do with pumping up the season for the papers than actually end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it sort of drama.
Sean
It’s difficult to form a basis for comparison with these ones, Malcolm. If the Crows deliberately attempted to subvert the salary cap rules, knowing the Balfours deal was not legit then I have not too much trouble with the hefting of a relatively large tome in their direction. Still shouldn’t be in the ball park of potentially endangering the well being of a large group of people.
I’m just amazed they allow betting on these games, Sean. It’s asking for trouble. It would appear this lad has just been a bit dumb (certainly not unheard of) but the fan screeching from the direction of Windy Hill as if they were in any way comparable was just remarkable.