It’s official, Australia’s sporting bodies have gone soft. So far this year we have seen a number of athletes across the country punished for fairly innocent and harmless “crimes”
The first massive over reaction came a few weeks ago when two Australian swimmers, Nick D’Arcy and Kenrick Monk, were condemned for posting photos on a social network with the pair posing with guns in US gun store.
This harmless photo caused a massive outcry from some members of the media, which was followed by the AOC making a decision to send the two home from the London Olympics after they have finished their events.
Then came another out cry, this time in the AFL. During the Western Bulldogs versus Port Adelaide match at Eithad a week ago, Bulldogs ruckman Will Minson made a comment to Ports Danyle Pearce about Pearce’s mother.
Again people jumped up and down saying “that kind of sledge is acceptable in society these days”. Really?
These comments have been around for years, now so more then ever. Minson basically got a week’s ban for his mum joke.
But the most significant evidence that sport had gone soft came last weekend. Again, it was in the AFL at the MCG in the Melbourne versus GWS game. It was the first time Melbourne’s 2009 no.1 draft pick Tom Scully came back to face his former team mates after leaving them for GWS last year.
The Melbourne fans came ready to give it to Scully. Some had signs with “$CULLY” and others had jackets with fake bank notes clipped to them, all mocking Scully and his decision to chase the big bucks at GWS.
These were some how deemed “offensive” and some were taken from supporters.
Have we seriously got to the point where something meant as a bit of harmless fun is found to some how be “offensive”. Offensive to who? I doubt Scully would have worried much about it, he knew it was coming. And I can’t see how anyone in the crowd or watching at home being offended by something as meek as as sign reading “$CULLY”.
This isn’t the first time the fun police have targeted fans. We have seen fans trying to enter cricket venues, only to have their water-melon style hats and trumpets taken away before they even entered the ground.
Of course issues like racism need to be stamped out. But none of the conduct above even comes close to racism. Why have we felt the need for this crackdown?
Going to watch sport should be about having fun, that’s what the fans go for. The CEO’s of any sport in this country need to be very careful about sucking the fun out of going to games, or they may find the crowds dropping very quickly.
Raymond Brady
Guest
When and why have men in Australia become so soft. Why isn't any professional athlete allowed to do as he chooses in his own spare time. As long as it is legal it shouldn't be up for discussion. He should have a right to say whatever he wants also. If soemone give you stick give it back. Its usually half-arsed journalism that is so rife today that brings down the athletes today. Most of it is usually storm in a tea cup stories also. Some pansy jouno just follows twitter all day looking for the next story that can be vaguely labelled as exclusive. My suggestion for the ego-inflated athlete is to drop the twitter accounts and only keep real associates as facebook friends ie; people you actually know and see on a regular basis and can validly exchange conversations and information with. Do fans really need to know about your training or what your eating or when your sleeping. Hell no! I am also sick of all these AFL players whinging when they have their precious little feelings hurt. Awww poor babies, go cry to your mummies! Im not a fan of rough play prohibition either. Don't play rough, don't hit other players because all the mummies watching won't let their sons play because he could get hurt. A man test should be done in recruitment processes. All the softies get rejected. But then they'll probably cry to the lawyers. Gnaaawwww.
Tom Callaghan
Guest
Trevor, You are right. Australian sport has gone soft. Its competitors have lost their' mongerl' Just look at all those Wallaby scrums going backwards.Why are there no great Australian boxers? Why do Australian platform divers cry so much?
JazzyJase
Roar Pro
great article.....and i hope in this day and age by saying this is a great article that i have not offended anyone
Johnno
Guest
A great and timely article. The thing with me that got me thinking was this. Have we gone soft or now does the media and the regular people via, everyone being able to own a mobile phone camera, social media eg like Facebook and twitter, tailback radio, where callers can make gossip. The thing with all these media and social network outlets is this. It has created an industry of sensationalism and tabloid gossip to a big money making exercise. Where by the puppet is the athletes, or actor, or celebrity , or politician. And with reference to being soft. I am in my early 30's , so i try and anaylyse these type of questions and issues based on modern history. -By modern history my definition is end of world war 2. 1945-2010/12. In other words world war 2 end to twenty 10 or 12. 65 years. -And my theory is this. It's not as if we have gone soft , or society has gone soft, or we are more of a nanny state now and have less freedom than before. Overall i would say we have more. -the hypocrisy is in some areas we have become more nanny state eg tobacco smoking an where banned now in nightclubs and shopping centres. -but less nanny state in other areas like gambling eg which used to be virtually illegal in NSW until casino came in the 90's. -Also more relaxed about alcohol if you think Probihtion was one illegal in the USA -Also other areas like adult entertainment industry , and escort services are now more legal. They used ot be totally illegal in NSW and most states in Australia. -And as for decline in social values and standards. I disagree. back in th old days pubs would have to close at 6pm form memory in 50's,60's,70's. Hnece the term the 5'oclock swill. -The difference back then with regards to role model type behaviour is this. Athletes or celebrities, or famous people behaved badly, just back then the media did not have the Technology to invade or put so much scrutiny under politicians lives, or sports stars, or celebrities. -Think the watergate scandal with richard Nixon in the 70's. That was a massive scandal it was seen as far shocking as the news of the world scandal in the UK last year. -Bascially now everyone can become a journalist hence the term citizen journalist, as everyone has a camera on there mobile phone, and a recorder to to record sound. -So think the pakistan cricketers that got done for matchfixing with the help of an undercover journalist too -So we havnt gone soft just now we have the technology to invade famous people and sportstars lives more, and politicians,and actors, and the rich and famous like never before. And it becomes a money making industry. -And another thing on soft another example where w heave gone the opposite less soft. Is sex before marriage, which used to be frowned upon by many. -SO social conservatism goes in cycles, and there are so many double standards that have now been reversed. Eg softer on gambling, and legalising alcohol, but society has got much tougher on tobacco, and tobacco advertising, and tobacco plain packaging. -SO society hasn't got softer on role models, just everyone now can become a journalist almost thanks ot technology, and we have access to scrutinesed our sports stars and the rich and famous more. -And publicity stunts and scandals, are often staged to get endorsement deals, and have become a business both for the puppet the sports star , and the media. -Just look at celebrities and sports stars who sell there most intimate moments and private moments for money to gossip magazines as an example. eg There wedding day photos for sale $$$$, and selling there story for $$$$ about why they divorce.