The AFL for many years now have been the leaders in setting the example for breaking down racial barriers and educating players and the public on acceptance of diversity.
We have seen things change from the bad old days when players would sledge opponents with racist remarks, just in a attempt to put them off their game.
Now such comments are treated harshly – and rightfully so, as the AFL is a game for everyone regardless of race – and we have seen many more indigenous players enter the game.
To think if it wasn’t for the likes of Nicky Winmar and Micheal Long standing up and saying enough is enough, suxh players could have been lost to the game.
But it seems in 2011 the message the AFL has been pushing has been lost on some people.
Already we have seen two incidents where the crowd made racist comments – one against Hawthorn’s Lance Franklin in Tasmania and another to North Melbourne rookie Majak Daw during a VFL match.
Both times the fans in the crowd were dealt with harshly and banned for the rest of the season. But then something that many had thought was weeded out of the game happened.
Last weekend at Metricon Stadium, the Gold Coast Suns hosted the Western Bulldogs. What seemed to go by as a rather uneventful game then got swept into controversy after the Suns lodged a complaint to the AFL for racist sledging from a Bulldog player.
That player was Justin Sherman in his first year at Whitten Oval. His punishment was four weeks out of AFL along with a $5000 donation to a nominated charity, as well as doing some charity work.
Many people have said Sherman has got off lightly with just four weeks, in which he can still play in the VFL, especially if you compare it to the two fans who have been banned for the year for their remarks. I think Sherman’s punishment is fair when compared to what the people in the crowd got for a few reasons:
1. Sherman is a AFL footballer with a high profile, now he will been seen and people will remember him for what he said up on the Gold Coast.
The two fans in the crowd wouldn’t be recognised by anyone if they bumped into you on the street; they don’t have to walk around with the embarrassment of being labeled racist.
2. Sherman is $5000 out off pocket; the fans haven’t had to pay a cent.
3. Sherman has to work for charity for education reasons; the two people in the crowd can’t be made to do charity work by either the clubs or the AFL.
So if you think Sherman’s two weeks is light, look at his punishment beyond the weeks he will miss. I think he has got what he deserves.
The fans have also rightfully been banned for the rest of the year.
open your eyes
Guest
fair dinkum people sledging has been around since sport began and will always be there! why is it that when dark skinned people cop it it's racism and when it 's a white skin person its sledging? I was at the pies vs bombers night grand final and heard some pretty ordinary comments from behind me aimed at Leon Davis I turned to the guy and said that you can't say that and he replied I can say what I like I'm black. Irish people have copped it for decades for apparently being dumb asses, Julia Gillard is being sledged for being a ranga so tell me what's the difference between colour of skin to colour of ones hair? people get vilified for all sorts of reasons fat - skinny - tall - short - smart - dumb - smelly - wealthy - poor, but we only seem to get upset if your do it to a dark skinned person. We used to be a country full of people who could take the piss out of each other what happened to that? But when it does come to racism it happens both ways and guess what it's not reverse racism it just racism not matter what directions !!!!
Jones
Guest
Matt F- he said four weeks: 'His punishment was four weeks out of AFL along with a $5000 donation to a nominated charity, as well as doing some charity work.' db swannie- Other codes are doing the same but AFL have been leading the way with their education and one-on-one programs. I agree with Trev- I think Sherman got what he deserve but it brings up the debate about role models too- and like it or lump it- professional athletes (AFL footballers) are role models, and in this day and age role models have to be good citizens- and set a good example- Sherman's punishment fitted the crime- so what if he plays in the VFL but I think suspended players- Buddy- should be allowed to play ressies as well.
db swannie
Guest
The AFL for many years now have been the leaders in setting the example for breaking down racial barriers and educating players and the public on acceptance of diversity. Straight from the AFL propaganda handbook.You dont think other codes are doing the same?
Matt F
Guest
I disagree. When Buddy Franklin whacked the Gold Coast player in the head and got suspended for a week, he couldn't play VFL. Why should Sherman, who was also suspended for something he did on the field, be able to play? Also didn't Sherman get suspended for four weeks, not two weeks?