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It’s just what the AFL and the Collingwood Football Club didn’t need. Police are currently investigating an alleged assault involving a player during the Magpies post-grand final celebrations.
And while no charges have been laid, and a number of players have voluntarily submitted interviews, unfortunately the incident threatens to overshadow the Magpies’ premiership.
It’s obviously too early to jump to conclusions, and without the facts, only the people involved know the truth of what really happened.
No names of any players have been released at this stage, and in my opinion, nor should they be.
In the interest of the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, isn’t it important the identity of the accused remain confidential through the investigation?
The image of footballers can be tarnished very quickly and unfairly due to an allegation as serious as this, and I think on the back of the recent acquittal of Brett Stewart in the NRL, all speculation and judgment must now be reserved until a later date.
This is someone’s life we’re talking about, after all.
Now, I’d much rather be talking about some of the truly amazing stories from the grand final.
Like the class and dignity of Luke Ball when his moment for vindication arrived on the final siren, instead of celebrating, he chose to console former teammates Brendan Goddard and Lenny Hayes.
Then there was Heath Shaw’s now famous smother.
Although it happened early in the game this was a moment that will always be shown on the highlights reel of the 2010 Grand Final. His teammates praised the incredible effort and described it as a tone setter for the rest of the day.
Or what about Steele Sidebottom’s incredible performance on the big stage or Dale Thomas’ outstanding finals series.
This is what we should be talking about, but instead unfortunately these allegations have somewhat soured what has been a fantastic year for Collingwood.
I’ve heard people say sportsmen are a product of their own environment, and at times I agree they might not be to blame. But despite all the education, when alcohol is involved reasonable judgment goes completely out the window.
There is no simple answer or explanation either, but the reality is, it keeps happening across all codes.
Football clubs are notoriously thick skinned. They have to be. But when a player damages the brand and acts outside the law, often they are left with no choice but to take action.
Just take a look at Andrew Lovett at St Kilda. Whether he is proven guilty or not at trial, he was sacked earlier in the year for bringing the club into disrepute.
How much could the Saints have used his pace and skills on Saturday?
If the allegations are proven to be true against a Collingwood player then he must face the full brunt of the law. But until then, I think as a society, and especially within the media, we need to be more understanding of the process of justice.
Otherwise a natural injustice might occur and the reputation of a young man has the potential to be destroyed forever.
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