I am outraged.
No, I am not outraged about what Aaron Smith has done, a mistake many men have made though I certainly cannot condone his actions. He has been dropped and will face a hearing in due course and dare I say it, having to front up to his partner and family will be punishment enough and I would think far more difficult than running out at Durban this weekend.
No, I am not outraged because some people made it public, though one has to wonder why you would record such things, regardless of the personal involved, let alone wait until ‘the rhythmic tapping noises’ ceased.
I am not outraged on behalf of Weetbix packets image integrity or of the effect on all the children in the land to see a ‘role model’ has disappointed and shattered their hopes and dreams, though I do accept a degree of off-field conduct has to be maintained but while on that subject, how about pointing out all of the real sporting role models, those volunteers that sacrifice their time in an effort to organise our kids every Saturday, or those who organise to take time off work to coach those junior sides, all for nothing?
No, I am outraged over the unnecessary and ridiculous hype our media have paid to this story. Stories describing how disappointed many people are, to ‘celebrity’ opinion including our Prime Ministers (for goodness sake), to having employment specialists on call, video footage of the offending toilet, ex All Black wives describing the pitfalls of being involved with an All Black and so it went on. At one point the summary of the Rugby headlines on Stuff had eleven different takes on it!!
ELEVEN!!
Look I get it, people are upset and it is a juicy bit of gossip to have a natter about. I was as guilty as the next person, engaging and enjoying some of the poor humour being bandied about.
But while many express their views on what is and should be morally acceptable, at exactly what point did we lose sight of showing the respect and thinking of the privacy of those who have truly been affected by this scandal, Smiths partner and family?
In our race to condemn, justify and dissect this issue in public, has there been any consideration of this or is it simply a case of, due to Smiths profile that ‘thems the breaks?’
Having elements of the media condone seeking out the partner and family members for comment is just pathetic. The audacity required to knock on his Mothers door seeking opinion is truly shocking and disappointing.
Are we as a society actually comfortable with that? Is this what we want from our media?
Frankly, it is pathetic and the whole circus reaction and playing out across the public court of opinion is incredibly disappointing and shameful. Where is the ‘moral outrage’ when it is truly needed?
Embarrassing New Zealand, it’s an outrage.
Just stop it and let them work through this issue in peace.
ClarkeG
Guest
Am I meant to take you seriously Basil - don't play me, you will not win you say. What a funny guy. :-) You do realise that there being a "chief reason" is indicative of there being other reasons - right. And that was what I was attempting to get you to consider. If you read back you will see that is my point.
WQ
Guest
Or the Paraparas!
Ronaldo
Guest
After the record breaking win over the Boks on the weekend the cubicle cupid might find it hard to get back in the team. TJP had a good game I hear??
Basil
Guest
lol, don't try and play me, you will not win. I have indeed read the document, why would you think otherwise? It backs up exactly what I have claimed. The judge clearly refers to what he refers to us the significant damages to career prospects as the chief reason for a non conviction. I don't know what document you were reading?
Digby
Roar Guru
Ah ha!! So she was actually a nurse!!
Rangi
Guest
Digger, maybe the sex was a ruse and he was actually in the toilet injecting the Carter and Roco game fuel, eh bro
ClarkeG
Guest
Well I had done my research actually (including extracting that document) which is why I questioned you in the first place. I was challenging your statement because you were so adamant and clearly had not done the research yourself. I was interested to see if you had other information that would prove your stance but all you have provided is a document that in fact shows that there was indeed more than one factor considered in the outcome. You did read the document did you not? It actually refutes your stance - good oh then. We don't have to go through them do we. The Judge sets it out reasonably clearly. So what was that you said about doing research of your own? I agree - particularly if you are the one making the statement so adamantly.
ClarkeG
Guest
Don't see why it shouldn't be about their actions as well. The husband/wife made themselves part of the equation through their actions just as Smith and friend did, and they have had plenty to say about it - the wife in particular. If people feel inclined to comment on their involvement then I don't see an issue with that.
Jokerman
Guest
Sounds to me, Pot Hale this has brought up some unpleasant memories for you. Were you once in a pram needing to be bottled and feed and your mum couldn't because the disabled bathroom was not vacant? Yes...now we get closer to the truth.
Akari
Roar Rookie
It's actually the couple's actions that has resulted in the media attention and this discussion, soapit.
soapit
Guest
either options sounds reasonable to me tman. this really isnt about their actions
Basil
Guest
you can, but in cases where it is very easy to do some research of your own, it probably is better to read up about it, rather than just express "feelings" http://www.districtcourts.govt.nz/assets/unsecure/2016-09-27/New-Zealand-Police-v-Losi-Filipo-2016-NZDC-18820.pdf
ClarkeG
Guest
I can't express a feeling that there may be more to it? You seem adamant. You will have no trouble of course proving beyond any doubt that the judge considered only the one reason.
Basil
Guest
well, you don't have to pay attention to anything outside your own sphere of interest. However, I do find that a little more of a rounded general knowledge can give more of an insight when engaging in discussion such as this.
ClarkeG
Guest
O'reilly Builders - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKaQLYPf5hM&list=SL4PbxlzthIzQ And the Cook - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAVEgo3OUvo&list=CL4PbxlzthIzQ&index=8
Digby
Roar Guru
Sure, quite right Basil, little hard to do when you have to wade through it all, looking for news on what is traditionally one of the biggest test matches of the year while also gearing up for current events such as the local body elections, but you are right. Should have tried harder. Lesson learnt. As for my apparent ignorance, why exactly would I pay any attention to Pearce outside of the bare facts? he got drunk from memory and was recorded being a tit? The more I dwell on it, I do recall having a conversation with Eaglejack over it, ironically mostly around what type of person would record others and send onto the media. Pearce isn't an AB I don't think, maybe that's why I don't care? Anyway, after that I couldn't really care less. I don't follow League that closely any more outside the Internationals nor do I spend much time on the League pages on this website outside of a cursory glance over the blogs to see results. Why would I seek out scandal and gossip on Pearce and how exactly am I supposed to know or be able to compare what is reported there in Australia in comparison to here? This is the only Oz website I look up, and most of it Rugby and a bit of Cricket. Anyhow, take what you need from it all Basil and convince yourself of what fits accordingly.
Basil
Guest
A feelings argument eh? You are incorrect, of course.
ClarkeG
Guest
I'm not an expert on the NZ judicial system but my feeling is that there may be more to this particular discharge than the sole reason you have given.
Machooka
Roar Guru
He's a funny bugger this Basil eh? I just wonder if his house was built by the Irish builders!?! Gotta go... the cook's pi$$ed again :)
Basil
Guest
the Pearce incident got no less media coverage in NZ than the Smith one has received in Oz, so I'm a little surprised at your apparent ignorance of the details of the case. You'd have certainly read all about it on this website, which has a heavy focus on the misdeeds of Oz sports people, especially in league, while there is very little focus on NZ sport stars, despite the fact that they have their own share of bad behaviour, and the fact that this website seems to have a high Kiwi readership, as indicated by the number of comment posts in rugby related articles.