Jason Akermanis has done it again, this time putting the boot into in the late AFL legend Jim Stynes.
In a radio interview, Akermanis unleashed an amazing spray on Stynes who recently lost his battle with cancer.
Akermanis called Stynes “a nasty man in his day. He had a nice turn of phrase and he made sure you knew how he felt”.
Akermanis added: “What amazes me is yes, he was a legend of the game and did a great job and wonderful things with kids, but you know there are a bunch of people who have done just as much who don’t get any recognition. I just think it’s a bit out of kilter.
“He got a State funeral – do all football players get a State funeral? There’s something about it all that just made me feel uncomfortable. Jim’s good but is he that good?”
While it’s true the recently departed are often eulogised in death and we only talk of their favorable traits, not their faults, this was an undeserving and cowardly attack from the former Brisbane player.
Stynes has not been long in the ground for Akermanis to have a go. The controversial and loud-mouth ex-Western Bulldog, who loves to have his say, had no need to bag the former Melbourne Demon.
Surely there are people out there who have done just as much as Stynes and don’t get any recognition. Does that mean Stynes should be ignored? No.
Stynes did more than most by setting up the Reach Foundation, which gives assistance to tens of thousands of underprivileged kids across the country.
His role in helping and mentoring youth made him much more just a talented AFL footballer, something Akermanis seems to be jealous of.
Akermanis of course has form in making outrageous comments and being at the centre of controversy, from his homophobic remarks to the fallout he was involved in at both Brisbane and the Bulldogs.
Maybe it’s all a ploy to drive interest in his appearance in the new Channel Nine series of Celebrity Apprentice.
Whatever it is, Akermanis should stick to lame reality shows that are filled with pathetic individuals like him and leave the commenting on Stynes to other, more respected figures.
Andy
Guest
Poor old Aker, thinks he needs to be controversial all the time. His missus must be sick of him hyjacking himself regularly. Such a good player but such a tool.
Dan
Guest
Sad and disappointing but not surprising, Aker seems to be an avid attention seeker, negative or positive attention is apparently irrelevant to this 'man' The fact that he is still allowed a voice in the media is abhorrent.
Nifty
Guest
Aker , you fool ,why would anyone with half a brain say what you said about a guy that went thru shit in the prime of his life and still found the strength and courage to do what he did for his and many Australians Football club and also to work with troubled kids etc and give back to society , that many many football stars don't do Aker. Show the man the dignity that he surely deserves. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Cam Larkin
Roar Guru
hear hear
Australian Rules
Guest
Akermanis was probably the least-liked AFL player in the history of the game. Imagine, not 1..but 2 whole playing groups saying they did not want you in their team. Think you'd get the message? How disgraceful, that a man like Aker, questions a man like Jim Stynes, over what contributino he has made to this country. Whilst it's admittedly difficult to do, this man should be ignored at all costs.