So the predictable outcome has been reached and the AFL has fined Ben Cousins for his “offensive” gesture in the rooms before Richmond’s clash with Fremantle on Saturday night.
We all know now that Cousins’ actions were directed at a fixed camera in the visitors’ rooms.
However, the incident occurred 90 minutes before the match started. And, Channel 10 goes to air 30 minutes before the bounce.
So, if “flipping the bird” is so offensive, and frowned upon by so many, why did Channel 10 choose to show the vision? They are in control of the vision and the incident was not “live”.
You also have to question why they showed it over and over again, why such a big deal was made of it, and why it was sold to other networks.
For what it’s worth, I didn’t find Cousins’ gesture offensive, and didn’t think it warranted a fine.
But, if the AFL tribunal is going to slap Cousins with a fine, Channel 10 should be hit with a penalty as well.
In Cousins’ Herald Sun column on Monday, the Tiger said his actions had been blown up and it was a light-hearted hello to his “mate” in the mini-van.
Since, this statement has been confused, with people believing Cousins had a personal friend operating the mini-van. This is another mistake in a week where many have been made.
Hawthorn’s director of football, Jason Dunstall, swore twice on air on MMM radio on Sunday afternoon. There would be people in society, no doubt, who would find that offensive, too, yet nothing will come of it.
Some also opine that footballers are role models for young children across the country. Parents who think this is the case are looking in the wrong place.
I presume they thought the gesture was offensive to young children?
That’s fine, but blame Channel 10. Cousins didn’t think it would go to air. And, if networks showed everything that goes on in the change-rooms before a match, well, the football would be screened even later at night.
I think most of us, had we been made to cope with the high-level of media scrutiny Cousins has, would have done something more serious. Remember when Tony Lockett chucked a set of crutches at a young reporter named Eddie McGuire.
Tell me which case is more serious?
Cousins is endeavouring to rebuild his life after his addiction to illicit drugs became public. It’s time to give him a break.
Redb
Roar Guru
The Chaser's little stunt makes Cousins finger incident look very tame - talk about bad taste. From someone who has been involved with terminally ill child (nephew who died at 9 after a 3 year battle with leukaemia) who relied on make a wish to bring some brightness to the very dark situation I'll gladly pat Cousins on the back and say forget son we've got much bigger fish to fry. Talk about perspective. Redb
westy
Guest
Michael C give Cronulla and rugby league a break. they exist within abroader community as you point out where the same standards do not seem to be being applied to themselves or their children. Jokes do the round that ajournalist is someone who follows Willie around to photograph him urinating. On a amore positive note watched the game alittle scrappy but great last quarter. Both teams gave there all. glad Richmond stood up. Some in Sydney are starting to have a little sympathy for the likes of Cronulla not for their actual transgressions which cannot be excused but for how many intentionally target them whilst turning a blind eye to their own past or present misbehaviours. Some are a little too judgemental for my comfort.
Michael C
Guest
We have a real perspective now - we saw the media 'outrage' at the North Melbourne 'Boris the chicken' video - that was never intended for public broadcast. we see Ben Cousins fined $10K (okay, $7.5K suspended), for giving the bird to a fixed camera well before match and broadcast time. Then we get the Chasers and their pre planned, pre recorded professional comedy show and the completely unacceptable sick kids skit. and we also see today reports of a couple of Home and Away stars in less than appropriate situations - one with his 'sex tape' with another teenage 'starlet' that he has gone and shown to castmates etc, completely ridiculous behaviour - - gotta be worth at least a $10K fine and to be stood down for 2 weeks.........sheesh, does he play for Cronulla. (well, he is the son of a RL 'legend') and then a female cast member of H&A found at a suspected bikies house that was attempted to be entered by gunmen.....now, we recall the outrage that Alan Didak was associating with bikies. Now - the thing I look at is the 'representation factor'. In that, in the AFL, we could perhaps rattle of a dozen or 2 names of guys who have got themselves in a bit of trouble.....12-24 out of well over 600. Compare to these 2 and what other 'scandals' amongst a Home and Away cast of how many? And of course, Home and Away and their young actors ARE role models in ways that footballers never could be. So, I'm waiting to see how Channel 7 handles this. Perhaps they'll do a Channel 10, try to find something to shift focus onto for their own self promotion. Tip to Ben Cousins for tonights game.......Be VERY, VERY careful Ben.
ilikedahoodoogurusingha
Guest
Yes, if it was recorded and then shown by CH10, then it is a beat up, but Cousins should have a good hard look at himself as to his actions, or is he so dumb not to realise that with his track record anything like that is going to be used against him
Harry
Guest
100% agree Luke and this is truly pathetic behaviour by Channel 10, the media and the AFL. For the absolute absurd heights of pompous drivel, read Patrick Smith's blatherings in The Australian on the subject.
Searly
Guest
Spot on, Luke. The hypocrisy of the media is patently ridiculous. Vicki, ever given someone the finger in public? Ever said something rude to someone? Ever had too much to drink? If so, I think it's about time some people in power stood up to you, or don't they have the balls?
Jock
Guest
vicki - you are a clown Channel 10 have without a doubt targeted the guy - if they do not put to air the fact that the guys are changing clothes- farting, drinking, eating and discussing the game in the 30 minutes prior to them going on air - why did they specifically take this one section of the - what is obviously a taped portion of the non to air time in the room - and stick it on tv - sell it off and deliberatly replay it again and again- why - so some little moron working for the chanell along with an idiot manager can get a few licks at cousins and a pat on the back for putting what is fast becoming a garbage chanell into the limelight - AT WHOSE EXPENSE - COUSINS AND THE GAME Jock
Tom
Guest
Yeah, I tend to agree Luke. Ben probably should've realised that Channel 10 would have blown this up into a big thing, but I don't think he was being deliberately provocative. Channel 10 on the other hand made a conscious decision to broadcast it repeatedly. They knew exactly what they were doing.
Vicki
Guest
So Luke Ben shouldn't made accountable for what he did? It doesn't matter when he did it. He did it and the fine wasn't harsh enough. He is still arrogant enough to think he's a superstar and he can do anything and get away with it. If this was a young player the AFL and the players club would be kicking their ass and rightly so. There is no excuse for what Ben did and people in power need to start standing up to him or incidents like this will keep happening as Ben knows he can get away with it as no in power has the balls to stand up to him.