In 2010, Bulldogs forward Ryan Tandy was banned for life from the NRL after he was found guilty of match-fixing in Canterbury’s clash with the North Queensland Cowboys.
Tandy was charged with fixing the ‘first points scored in a game market’ by intentionally conceding early penalties.
There was uproar over his actions. Tragically, Tandy passed away on the 28th of April, 2014 after a suspected drug overdose, just three months after failing to appeal his charge in court.
Mental illness is something that cannot be understood unless experienced first-hand. However, as Tandy came to realise the magnitude of the consequences facing him, he needed all the support that he could get.
The same can be said for Steve Smith. Throughout the week, the Australian skipper has been publicly condemned for his role in the ball tampering scandal.
He deserved criticism. Yet, his actions certainly did not warrant the flood of abuse that has been hurled at Smith from every man and his dog.
Smith has been consistently vilified. Except for his family and friends, he is alone. For the people of Australia, however, this does not seem to matter as he was supposed to represent the integrity of those who have donned the baggy green in the past.
What they do not seem to recognise is that their words will remain with and haunt Smith for the rest of his life. Former cricketer Trevor Chappell knows all too well the psychological impact that will come with the guilt.
The negative publicity gained by Chappell after his infamous underarm delivery against New Zealand in the 1981 ODI has remained with the former player-turned-coach and had a profound effect on his life.
“They will struggle for the rest of their lives and be known as the ones who brought Australian cricket into disrepute” Chappell told the New Zealand Herald on Tuesday.
The focus this week has solely been on the error of judgement made by Smith and the lynch mob culture that has descended upon the Australian public is simply not needed. Smith understands the severity of what he has done.
He does not need to be repeatedly preached of this. Yesterday, the disgraced captain broke down in tears as he fronted the press for the first time since last Saturday. What else do the Australian public need?
It is time to stop the crucifixion and begin the process of forgiveness.
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