In 2009 the entire country suffered an injustice. We did not know, but we were being conned.
Yesterday, the Sydney Morning Herald published a confronting – and quite compelling – story about the Brett Stewart sexual assault allegations a few years back and the miscarriage of justice handed down to him not so much by the law but from society and the NRL. Brett Stewart was going to be the face of the 2009 season, until he – and the Australian public – was conned by a serial conman.
I have no doubt it was a con. The man in question had lived at that address for a time, and despite both him and the daughter saying they did not know who Brett Stewart was, they both named him: first, one “Brett”, and the other “Stewart” separately and in isolation of one another.
For me, it was 2009, the kids are in bed. I jump onto a forum to read about the case as it broke on the first day. The guys on the forum were going ballistic that this had happened to sport once again. They all damned Brett, as if in righteous indignance that they would allow this to upset them.
They joined the firing squad – yet he was not even convicted yet. It was the first night. To me it was a great insight into what is happening in our society – particularly in regards to how we treat our footballers.
Closer to pieces of meat than actual people operating in a real, breathing world.
But something was not right to me about the entire incident and how it occurred. I told the guys on the forum straight-up, even though I had no solid evidence – what, having not seen it, nor being even in the same state:
1. The dad is a con artist. 2. The girl is lying. Why? She was out the front smoking underage, what parent allows that? I said the dad is heavily involved from the very start, lying to police. I told them that I thought he was obviously grooming her and setting up a situation.
They did not believe me. I questioned myself over my claim. I second guessed myself. Then, I reaffirmed my belief.
To this day, even though he was vindicated in court, not everyone believes Brett Stewart either.
Such an absolutely disgusting thing has happened to him. Sponsors won’t touch him. He has paid a dear price for what he was supposed to have done. And a con man still walks the streets of Sydney today, manipulating families, and assaulting his own – and others – daughters in a sick, psychotic web of lies.
Just where is the compensation for Stewart? He may have settled a defamation case from News Ltd recently, but is it really enough?
Brett Stewart, the game, and men everywhere were put under a spotlight.
Is this just a case of a con artist using pre-existing and ill-conceived male stereotypes, especially related to footballers? And if so, why should the story of Brett Stewart’s guilt be run for months, while the story of the man who manipulated the public and destroyed at least one man’s life stay up for one day?
Stewart was a victim. A victim of society’s increasing fear about men and the strength of men.
There was no fairness for Brett Stewart. It’s not his fault. He was up against it the moment he was accused. Unfortunately for Brett and others accused of sexual assault, many people deem them guilty upon an accusation. Many believe where there is smoke, there is fire.
When the accusation took place, everyone jumped on board to put Stewart down, even his own game.
Ultimately I immediately saw the girls’ father as a narcissist and someone who shapes events. I read into the family situation astutely, and noticed that the evidence did not stack up to the statements coming out of the papers. The man was making it all about himself, it was never about his daughter, he didn’t care about her, he was arguing with police.
I sympathise for Brett. He was a victim of far greater society forces than we know about, of which I touched briefly on.
In the future, we must protect our players better. In some ways I understand why the AFL protects theirs vigorously. And yet, that is not perfect either.
Everyone apart from the accusing family and the papers were doing things right….yet are not the papers a reflection of what we like to read, and of who we are as a populace?
I only hope we protect our players better in the future. Brett Stewart was robbed by everything that night. He has only ever upheld himself with courtesy and honesty and class throughout the entire ordeal.
We must protect our players from this burden in the future. And Brett should receive compensation from the NRL, too.
mushi
Guest
But as you say very differnet circumstances one is attmepting to frame a stranger the other is attmepting to save the person who really loves her but just gets angry sometimes.
Mark Young
Roar Guru
Agreed, David Gallop should NEVER have had his first real conversation with them on the podium grand final day. Terrible. I don't think it is too late though Mals. He needs some wise old mean to get in his ear...
Von Neumann
Roar Guru
I do not usually enter speculation without excellent reason. I did not want to touch on it in my article. But if you are asking my opinion, well, you are calling it into question. Here's why I say what I say (and these are my personal views only) Whats the bet after such a crappy life, and displays from her father, that she is depressed. And her bold womanly ways are a means of exerting power over men. The need to get something out of this sexually-ambiguous [women are often this way] display versus the depression she feels, creates a kind of gap if you will in her, and its one that emboldens her, gives her a thrill. Its not too unlike most women, minus the feelings of inferiority she no doubt feels due to her terrible upbringing, above and beyond lets not forget, about the way she feels inadequate about how she looks in the mirror each day. She may have been totally innocent in talking to him (though I tend to think that her and her father had spoken about him, something along the vague lines of "that guy, I don't quite know him, but he is on tv." "You should try and talk to him sometime." (the father probably has a plan in place to snag poor brett. snag anyone with a buck to his name; you may not have realized, but we are talking about a dirt-bag here in my opinion) "You never know what you could do with a guy like that in life." "I think he has a girlfriend." (she'd be like this, because she is directionless, and for some odd reason, other than habbit, she probably still seeks daddy's guidance, its a kind of subjugation with Narcs... ) "All the better reason to steal him." (wow, have you ever heard a serial narcissist speak? They come up with gems like that all the time. They care for no one other than themselves). So, thats what I think. I think he walked unknowingly into it. __ ************BTW, did you know the word Narcissist originally came from Abusive Alcoholics ? ************* ************* ****** *********** Thats right. Back in the 50s it was used in the description of men who was also an alcholic would hold and abuse and subjugate his spouse to his rule; effectively making a slave of them emotionally. And causing them to become helpless. Women like to serve, sure, but not be ruled so harshly....well some do. Have you ever read the book "O"......wow, you'd love that one. I have never read it, but I have come across it. Its about a french girl known only as O, going into service to learn how to serve men, and oddly, the book is a dipiction of real life. That stuff happened in bygone days. Well, turns out this Narcissist thing has a lot of similarities with the way some men deal with women, and treat them in day to day life. At the same time, it was eventually defined as a personality trait, and the field of psychology has developed it over the years. Kids these days are 15% more narsisistic than in years gone by, tests reveal. Due to consumerism, and the rat race to get houses, cars, a grand life, ect. INteresting. But some people are born totally Narc. They are horrible people, and often dont know why they are doing the things they do. Its a personality aspect. Some are exagerated. Isn't that interesting......now cast your mind on what it would be like to grow up in that family for that girl and the mother? Calculate what it would be like, from day to day, over time, to be treated by a selfish, self-serving father, who cares only about himself and his next con?? Does it make you feel wanted? Does it make you feel good? What tools have you got left to you, in order to interact with the world and matter, just because you are you, not because of someone else. How will you feel important in all that? Its not a question of whether she had incentive or not. Its more about the father, and the situation she found herself in that night. Girls like her, and men like the father, my friend, are poison. And she let it happen. Don't forget that. She allowed all the lies to go on, irrespective of whether brett kissed her or she planted one on him unawares, or whatever happened. The case thrown out and dusted in one hour. There NEVER anything there. A con artist. In the days leading up to the court case, what do you think was on the con mans mind? He would have been thinking "heck, I hope someone offers me money for a story, or something." Dude, you don't know the half of it out there, there are some seriously damaged people. And all I can think of is poor Brett, being a young guy, still growing, and learning like the girl, albeit with more sense on his shoulders. She could have withdrawn the allegations at any stage, she could have refused it. Maybe, she let him stick his fingers up her, just say....so what. I've had that happen to me in a club, some girl let me go up there, she ASKED ME. In a corner, and it was not very well lit. A lot of guys have that happen. BUT THATS NOT RAPE, even if it did happen that night. Choose what you want to believe, but I do not trust people like that family one little bit. You'd be a fool to.
Von Neumann
Roar Guru
No way jokerman. . Thats not it at all. (thankyou bearfax.) I'm pretty sure I understand women very well. God knows, I've dealt with many and every day since I was a young boy. Its not about dismissing his crime. Its about waiting for the court case more than anything. If you believe she had no incentive, then YOU Sir, have no idea of women. Lets get one thing straight - she already knew who he was pretty much, she recognised him as a footy player....maybe she had spoken of him to her dad once or twice.....who knows......but she knew who he was or at least he was a footy player.... and she hides that fact a bit, and talks it up 'ive seen you on tv.' (to call into light his fame, she's bringing it UP TO GIVE HERSELF A SOCIALLY ACCEPTED REASON TO COME ONTO HIM!!!!!!!! ****Bro, yeh, you, bro.... thats how these women think (I'm an ace) She looks at him and opens conversation with him (she approaches him to talk first....big indicator that she is interested...she INNITIATED TALKING. most times, you have to innitiate talking to a girl, or she will let you die on the vine....). Brett says, she said, "I've seen you on tv, havn't I" (statement of interest...womens's curiosity is pricked - due to his fame; and perecieved value goes up) Brett says almost via active-disinterest "Yeh....you probably have," (this pricks her curiosity more, and gets her to invest, by no fault of brett. He is being alusive here and ordinary for himself no doubt, and not socially erking...., and this requires her to work a bit harder. And the part where he sees her smoking. "why are you doing that? Yuk". (in this case, he is putting her down, he is being negative but not in an un-ordinary way. He is also being authorative. Girls dig that. For a young girl, who sees this, and hears that, and brett could also be good looking to her....well, its a no-brainer for a guy like me. Brett is acting disinterested, he is in his own world, doing his own thing, he is not an ugly man by female's standards though most would not see him as super special just by looks - though presence and his body movements and manerisms may come into play for him.....so anyway.....any girl facing THAT in a man, and knowing he is famous.....well.....you can't blame a girl for trying? She ends up saying, acording to the only thing we have "Where are you going? I only want a kiss." She comes onto him. I bet there was an awkward moment there, they get close, he pushes her away. Who knows, she probably planted one on him. I don't know. But there was intent there. She runs off, dady has it all planned out, or he hears about it - and the guy is sharp as a knife to be as unscrupulous as he is - and he cooks up a plan to take advantage of it.....remember, IF YOU CARED TO READ THE ATTACHED ARTICLE.....you would have learnt that *****he often ***** called people out for being peadophiles and touching his daughters, even tho he touched them up himself!!!!! wtf, I say.... And you can't (if it truly was the reality) blame brett for receiving her advances - though its 100% wrong when he has a girlfriend. Except I do NOT believe he did. She is too young, he already has a GF, a good looking one, a stunner.....he was asking about getting her take out on the way home....he never intended to run into the girl in question.... ok....thats why I dont believe. I know what women are like.... This girl is not a high class example....if you read the report, and studied her upbringing within the report, you would understand, such girls hold nothing classy sacred. Thats not too admonish her so much, as it is her father. ALL I EVER said in conversations was that she was brought up wrong. And I should know a thing or two about bringing up girls, i have my own. And let me assure you, they DO NOT color me in while I am naked, though they will allow me to paint their toe nails and be affectionate in normal society ways. Unlike some....it seems. See, jokerman, I know chicks back to front. I know how to be a man, I know what I want in a girl, and I have met all types of girls. I have no doubt my beliefs. And for the record, in case you did not quite get my drift.....I never said she was "up for grabs" or anything of the nature. Don't put words in my mouth please. Surely you are tongue in cheek, but just in case.
Von Neumann
Roar Guru
I appreciate your rebuke, thankyou for participating. I will make only this passive reply, though I wish it to not mean acceptance of your point of view. I think our point of difference is that you don't mind being 'taken for a ride' by a newspaper. I do.
Chief
Guest
Thought it was because his head was only as wide as his neck
All too late
Guest
Dave Edwards do you know the guy?, Your comment displays an element of immaturity that presents as a fine example of tall poppy syndrome. Bearfax is correct in his summation of Stewarts character. You better get yourself a bucket dave because i would describe Brett Stewart as an inspiration . To have come through that ordeal and at the same time be able to have the focus and determination to rehabilitate through two possible career ending knee injuries demonstrates remarkable courage. Mark you maybe did not see the TV interview Brett did hand in hand with his girlfriend just after the court case . Or more recently read the interview done with Phil Rothchild in the telegraph where he answered all the questions(big gesture as that was the paper that damned him). He has done all the press bit and owes no more to anyone. Been back at the top of his football with photos on the cover and back pages of all the papers scoring tries in state of origin is the best way to turn it all around. But really some of you are very naive. Take this as a warning teenage girls will go to incredible lengths to snare a footballer. They know where they go , what they do, the clubs , night spots they may frequent and there intentions are not always innocent. Everyone on the northern beaches knew about the launch ,Easy to figure out approximate times they would leave. Hang outside the event then hot foot it to there home ( not a coincidence they recently moved into Bretts complex.)Some would wait all night just for a glimpse. Thats why the players are coached and Brett did everything he'd been taught by the club if a incident occurred. Wise up fella's Thanks for your article von Neumann and well said Bearfax
dishes
Guest
Excellent article. I definitely have lost respect for Gallop over the incident. And yes, I do think some sort of compensation from the NRL shouldn't be out of the question.
Bearfax
Guest
Well you shouldnt drink so much Dave Edwards because that's obviously the stupor through which you see the world. The comment was made because of the people who were prepared to have their very reputations put on the line in supporting him including one of the three most prominent prosecutors in the state, who risked her career and integrity by vouching for his intregity under oath (by the way thats almost unheard of in legal cases in case you dont know). If a leading prosecutor is prepared to speak on his behalf at the risk of her career and reputation (and yes she is a woman but old enough to be his mother), then there must be some validity to the claim regarding his character.This was a set up buddy and everyone close to the story knows it but many facts couldnt be released at the time of the court proceedings, which if you understood law you would realise. I dont blame you for that ignorance, only for your warped judgement. Have a good one Dave ..who?
Meesta Cool
Guest
I thought that was too close for comfort!.
All too late
Guest
Gallop was Bretts employer. Part of his job should be to protect his employee. When an organisation puts someone up as the face of the organisation one day and an extreme accusation against them occurs the next, Most employers would at least investigate.. You would only be put on that pedastle for the qualities you displayed. Gallop forgot those very quickly Problem was Gallop didn’t just suspend Stewart. He painted him as guilty, acted as judge, jury ,executioner. That gave news limited the green light. Brett was crucified by the man on the street to people in public office - people who should have known better. Presumption of innocence denied. Gallop turned his back on Brett when ne needed his support the most. Then again Gallop always appeared somewhat close to news limited. Convenient that Gallaop got the boot a short time prior to the truth been exposed. Grant as head of an independent commision has an opportunity albeit too late to make a gesture and attempt to right a wrong. Acknowledge that Brett did nothing wrong. Tell Stewarts family , yes we handled it poorly or pay his legal fees. Brett owes no explanation to anyone. I feel he has handled it with great integrity. Imagine having to stay quite whislt disgusting lies are printed in the media about you. Concerning that the case got the legs it did and even more concerning that the events of the case and evidence put forward in the trial was not published. But the facts did not give the story news limited wanted did it. Media watch were conned by there own prejudices Defamation payout to Brett by news limited was a long time ago, that to was hush hush . Reported as $200,000 that is a JOKE. I wish Brett and his family the very best.
Meesta Cool
Guest
Geez BA, you are on dangerous ground here.. Why has this story resurfaced?... media muckraking, and we are once again falling for it!. there is no need to bring the complete Stewart family into what is already a stink hole!.
von Neumann
Guest
Just one more thing. News ltd protects its own, police protect their own, we were reacting, it was during a storm like period. We need to protect our own and guard against the press. Looks like grant is doing just that To see we were not really able to do that across the board AND hear that it was a con to boot cannot be allowed to stand.
von Neumann
Guest
Well i hope you swollowed it back down. What if it were you in that situation. Its more than that. A guy conned the cops, his daughter, and the media enabled it and fanned the flames. Gallop did the right thing standing him down because the sport was under seige at the time, though i doubt Stewart was happy about it. We can't allow the media to weaken the game. And poor brett stewart was on the receiving end. The case was done in one measly hour. The effects will last a lifetime. Maybe its all a case of learn as you go. We must teach the media its not on. No,i would not be making light of it
Gareth
Guest
Yeah, but you could say the same thing about Greg Bird, who sits at the other end of the spectrum with a victim that played down the allegations rather than exaggerating them.
Dave Edwards
Roar Pro
"Those of us who you have given joy to through your magical football skills, those who have benefitted from your charitable actions, and those who know you to be a young man of superior honour and integrity, stand by you." Sorry, I just threw up a bit.
Charles
Guest
Well said Sean, a silly comment by Dan! So what he had a few schooners, is that a crime? He caught a taxi home as well. Brett did nothing wrong and yet he has been branded for life!
Will Sinclair
Guest
This is a gold comment! I love this sort of humour - very funny stuff.
Will Sinclair
Guest
Brett, Were there possibly legal reasons why the article could not be printed until all matters relating to the case had been settled? Like you, I thought it was an absolutely extraordinary article. It certainly presented a very different narrative to that which was popular when the story initially broke. You have to feel for Stewart. Talk about being in the wrong place at the wrong time...
Australian Rules
Guest
Jimbo & eJ I didn't say he was pissed nor did I say that he deserved "the treatment" he got... but that doesn't mean the NRL are liable for compensatory damages.