Hurley banned for three matches

[nickh32]

EDIT:

http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/news.asp?nid=7267

Essendon today announced its sanctions for the 19-year-old as a result of the incident.

As previously announced, Michael:

• Will not be selected for any games in the NAB Cup or NAB Challenge series.

In addition to this, Michael:

• Will not be selected for the first three rounds of the 2010 AFL season.

• Will complete an alcohol counselling course.

• Will be involved in no less than 20 hours additional AFL community programming during the course of the 2010 season.

http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/news.asp?nid=7267

/EDIT ~ BtG

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/twogame-ban-looms-for-hurley-20100218-ois4.html

Looks like more punishment coming his way, which i cant say suprises me. I did like it how it said he assured the club he wants to stay at windy hill. Thats makes me very happy.

[GuzzLG]

LOL

This is just Essendon continuing its mental domination over carlton. Round 3 return sounds good to me. :D

[Mecha]

Wonder how this will effect his chances to take out the rising star award

[BOMBERS 4 LIFE!!!!]

LOL

This is just Essendon continuing its mental domination over carlton. Round 3 return sounds good to me. :D

Nothing better than unleashing the hurls on the scum love it!!! :D

[yaco55]

I suggest that the AFL had imput into this decision.

[Skeeta Olly]

Hurley is also expected to be directed towards work with the Indian community along with a responsible-drinking program

Looks like the racist card might have been played.

[Redb#]

Can't do much more than that. Educate on drinking, racism and miss out on playing/money. Damage to personal rep.

Hurley can turn a negative into a positive for himself and the club if he embraces the Indian community.

[centurion]

Looks like the racist card might have been played.

Yes, only to please the nuff nuffs im afraid.

[Ben the Gooner]

The fact he is to do work with the Indian community is a disgrace of the highest order. The cabbie's nationality is irrelevant.

2 games is what I suggested initially, so on that front, I'm not changing my mind.

[TeamHurley]

Much better outcome than the 7 weeks. He has copped it enough over this. Love the quote that he has assured the bombers he is staying.

[Trav0]

The fact he is to do work with the Indian community is a disgrace of the highest order. The cabbie's nationality is irrelevant.

2 games is what I suggested initially, so on that front, I'm not changing my mind.

i don't see it that way, with the race attacks happening at the moment (not saying at all that this is one of them) but if a member of the community is found to have racially attacked an Indian they should get the same community based order from the courts.

[Ben the Gooner]

But Hurley didn't racially assault anyone. His nationally is therefore irrelevant. He's being scapegoated by the AFL

[Trav0]

But Hurley didn't racially assault anyone. His nationally is therefore irrelevant. He's being scapegoated by the AFL

yep, that's the way the world works now....stupid as it is... just like the kfc add..

[daffo]

I felt that the NAB cup suspension was a tad weak, the two game ban seems fair but we'll miss him in those games.

[Trav0]

in reality we should be 1-1 after round 2 with or without hurley!

[Lance Uppercut]

But Hurley didn't racially assault anyone. His nationally is therefore irrelevant. He's being scapegoated by the AFL

this is exactly right. What a stupid caveat to the punishment :thumbsd:

[big_slick]

Hurley, taken at pick No. 5 in the 2008 national draft, has been strongly linked to the Gold Coast in recent weeks but has assured the Bombers he wants to remain at Windy Hill.

I still like the sound of that.

[Trav0]

if he leaves the bombers his punishment should be a cabbie can kick him in the nuts twice!

[Redb#]

But Hurley didn't racially assault anyone. His nationally is therefore irrelevant. He's being scapegoated by the AFL

Ben, your ignoring the wider issue. it's a smart thing to do.

Wont hurt the lad at all and could be a real positive for the EFC.

[U Got Reimered]

I think the cabbie should be the one getting charged here for getting in the way of Hurley's fist!!!

Just joking. I also think that suspension from the pre-season competition was a bit weak, especially seeing as he may have missed a few matches as they manage his injury. 2 rounds seems OK.

[U Got Reimered]

Ben, your ignoring the wider issue. it's a smart thing to do.

Wont hurt the lad at all and could be a real positive for the EFC.

I agree with BtG on this one. By making him work with the Indian Community, they are making it look like it was racially motivated, when it wasn't.

[centurion]

I agree with BtG on this one. By making him work with the Indian Community, they are making it look like it was racially motivated, when it wasn't.

Its just to please the masses. Nothing more nothing less. The club knows its not a racially motivated issue.

[U Got Reimered]

Its just to please the masses. Nothing more nothing less. The club knows its not a racially motivated issue.

I'm sure the club knows, but what about the Indian community? And those who don't follow footy when they see on the news that Hurley has been made by his club to work with the Indian Community after an attack on a taxi driver. I know the conclussion I would draw if Hurley wasn't my saviour.

[centurion]

I'm sure the club knows, but what about the Indian community? And those who don't follow footy when they see on the news that Hurley has been made by his club to work with the Indian Community after an attack on a taxi driver. I know the conclussion I would draw if Hurley wasn't my saviour.

Exactly right. But what do you do. Just go with it and hopefully Hurley doesn't feature again as negative news.

[U Got Reimered]

Exactly right. But what do you do. Just go with it and hopefully Hurley doesn't feature again as negative news.

Yes, and hope that his name will not be forever tainted. I know am looking at this from the worst point of view, but I love Hurley.. ;)

As has been said before it is lucky (if you can call it that) that this has happen so early in his career. Plenty of time to get over it.

[centurion]

Yes, and hope that his name will not be forever tainted. I know am looking at this from the worst point of view, but I love Hurley.. ;)

As has been said before it is lucky (if you can call it that) that this has happen so early in his career. Plenty of time to get over it.

I love him too mate (No homo). As for the second point, only if he never does anything like that again.

[FandangoDingo]

2 matches seems about right.

Perhaps he should be made to perform public service for the taxi industry, rather than the Indian community.

I think this component of the punishment is more about public perception than reality.

I think it's the same with the broader violence problems at the moment. It just so happens that a lot of the easy targets (taxi drivers & late-night convenience store operators) are, in fact, Indian.

But by turning it into a racial issue, it only stokes the fires and creates a more volatile situation on the streets. I think most of the Australian general public, let alone drunken idiots, would have a hard time distinguishing whether someone was Indian, Pakistani or Sri Lankan

[BringBackCransberg]

The nuff-nuffs will remain nuff-nuffs as long as they keep getting "pleased". They're the spoilt children that make up 90% of society. They're the "working families", "Howard's battlers", the sooks who end up voting as their parents did anyway.

If the club said "F*** it, we're leaving race out of this because it's the right thing to do", and explained why that was the case, then the nuff-nuffs would be forced to think things through. But just appeasing them right off the bat is to do a huge injustice to Hurley. If he'd knocked my hat off in the fight would he be doing service to the millinery community? The cabbie has been gracious enough to consent (it seems) to the diversion program going ahead, in return has anyone asked him if he'd like his race to be a factor in Hurley's punishment? I'd hope so, before the EFC starts laying down the Special Law Applicable Only to Footballers.

God, this makes me mad. The world is f****** stupid, and we let it be that way.

[TeamHurley]

They should make him drive a taxi for a couple of late shifts on a weekend.
Would be a bit of an eye opener for all of us.

Disagree that it was a racist attack, dont think the club is implying it was a racist attack, but doing some work in the indian community is good damage control. And it might attract us some more indian members :D

[FandangoDingo]

LINK (http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/twogame-ban-looms-for-hurley-20100218-ois4.html)

There is no suggestion the alleged assault was racially motivated.

LINK (http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/twogame-ban-looms-for-hurley-20100218-ois4.html)

(5th paragraph)

[NAUGHT5]

I dare Essendon to make it 3 weeks

[U Got Reimered]

LINK (http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/twogame-ban-looms-for-hurley-20100218-ois4.html)

There is no suggestion the alleged assault was racially motivated.

LINK (http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/twogame-ban-looms-for-hurley-20100218-ois4.html)

(5th paragraph)

We know it wasn't racially motivated. That's why everyong is annoyed at him having to work with the Indian Community. Helping out taxi drivers of all races sounds more appriate to me.

Damage control or no damage control, still seems like the wrong decision.

[Kong]

Wonder how this will effect his chances to take out the rising star awardThis was my first thought. You'd assume that if it were a two-horse race with Hurley and say Ziebell, the AFL would anoint Ziebell due to Hurley's off-field dramas.
___________________
Looks like the racist card might have been played.Yes, only to please the nuff nuffs im afraid.The fact he is to do work with the Indian community is a disgrace of the highest order. The cabbie's nationality is irrelevant.Yep.Perhaps he should be made to perform public service for the taxi industry, rather than the Indian community.Ideally, yeah.
I think most of the Australian general public, let alone drunken idiots, would have a hard time distinguishing whether someone was Indian, Pakistani or Sri LankanThat's exactly it. The over politicised cannot wait to scream "racism!" against on behalf of Indians, yet the attacks on non-Indians barely get a mention. The Indian man who attacked a disabled white man, why wasn't that all over the front page of the papers?

And as you said, I'd assume 9/10 Caucasian Australians could not go down an assembly line and pick out which people were Indian, which were Sri Lankan, which were Pakistani.

[Great White Hope]

The nuff-nuffs will remain nuff-nuffs as long as they keep getting "pleased". They're the spoilt children that make up 90% of society. They're the "working families", "Howard's battlers", the sooks who end up voting as their parents did anyway.

If the club said "F*** it, we're leaving race out of this because it's the right thing to do", and explained why that was the case, then the nuff-nuffs would be forced to think things through. But just appeasing them right off the bat is to do a huge injustice to Hurley. If he'd knocked my hat off in the fight would he be doing service to the millinery community? The cabbie has been gracious enough to consent (it seems) to the diversion program going ahead, in return has anyone asked him if he'd like his race to be a factor in Hurley's punishment? I'd hope so, before the EFC starts laying down the Special Law Applicable Only to Footballers.

God, this makes me mad. The world is f****** stupid, and we let it be that way.

BBC, you are spot on. The young bloke was so hammered that night he has no recollection of what happened and who he allegedly struck, let alone what that person's colour, race or nationality was. His punishment should be based on the fact he was out late, obviously over-refreshed and that reflects poorly on all parties – himself, his club, his teammates and his family and mates. Personally, I think being suspended for the NAB Cup/Challenge was the right penalty – however, I'd insert a clause in his current (and hopefully future) contract that should he transgress again, then he is looking at a serious stint on the sidelines. He's a 19-year-old kid who made a stupid mistake ... you can have 500-1 that he will ever muck up again.

[Ben the Gooner]

Ben, your ignoring the wider issue. it's a smart thing to do.

Wont hurt the lad at all and could be a real positive for the EFC.

Au contraire, you're ignoring the implications of this idiocy from the EFC.

We are accepting that Hurley was being racist by default if we make him do community work with the Indian community. The club knows, and we all know, that this was not racially motivated, and thus the punishment is pure scapegoating by the EFC.

If I were Hurley, I'd be severely pissed that I was being hung out to dry for something I didn't do (i.e. racially-motivated assault).

[Walesy]

Bases have surely got to be covered though, I mean, if Hurley can't even remember the incident, then how can he, or any of us, be sure that it wasn't racially motivated?

*also, the heads up- Round 1 V Geelong thread. ;)- who else didn't have Hurley :P *

[Afrojack]

lol carlton

[Redb#]

Au contraire, you're ignoring the implications of this idiocy from the EFC.

We are accepting that Hurley was being racist by default if we make him do community work with the Indian community. The club knows, and we all know, that this was not racially motivated, and thus the punishment is pure scapegoating by the EFC.

If I were Hurley, I'd be severely pissed that I was being hung out to dry for something I didn't do (i.e. racially-motivated assault).

So the conclusion from EFC that it wasnt racially motivated will automaticially mean there was no accusation or hysteria from Indians of racism?

There sure was. There is a bigger picture here and it is no particualr skin off his nose.

Whats wrong with getting on the front foot by showing Hurley has no issue with the Indian Community and that indeed he and EFC are not racist towards the Indian community.

Talk is cheap.

After the accusation of racism was made (fair or unfair) I'd want to prove that it was definitely not the case.

[Ludwig van Bertstare]

What a load of shit from the club. Absolutely disgraceful.

I'm furious at the club.

[TheDon35]

This whole thing is now laughable...

The 5 month delay on the penalty, only to then receive a part penalty, supposedly because with the case pending they couldn't give the full penalty, only to then increase the penalty before the case... Apology accepted Stander (Oh but I forgot, Robson was busy appointing a new captain and dealing with Lloyd leaving so couldn' have possibly handled this issue also...)

The inclusion of the race card (imposed by EFC not the AFL), deliberately or not - insinuating that Hurley is a racist and further fueling the fire.

The follow the leader penalty structure.

The lack of communication on the issue from the club to the broader community.

Very St Kilda'ish. Hardly the way you'd like a league powerhouse to operate. Pathetic.

[Skeeta Olly]

This whole thing is now laughable...

The 5 month delay on the penalty, only to then receive a part penalty, supposedly because with the case pending they couldn't give the full penalty, only to then increase the penalty before the case... Apology accepted Stander (Oh but I forgot, Robson was busy appointing a new captain and dealing with Lloyd leaving so couldn' have possibly handled this issue also...)

The inclusion of the race card (imposed by EFC not the AFL), deliberately or not - insinuating that Hurley is a racist and further fueling the fire.

The follow the leader penalty structure.

The lack of communication on the issue from the club to the broader community.

Very St Kilda'ish. Hardly the way you'd like a league powerhouse to operate. Pathetic.

Look people, TheDon35 clearly knows the inner sanctums of the EFC and what they were doing regarding the Hurley issue. If it has been alleged that something has happened, it must have happened?

Reason why it was kept quiet is because it's up to the courts. By having this front page news for the past 5 months it would or could effect his case and both sides wouldn't get a just outcome. Essendon FC wouldn't want to jeopardise the case, as it would open up a whole new can or worms.

Give us an example of what you wanted to hear if you think the way Essendon has handled it is pathetic.

[TheDon35]

Look people, TheDon35 clearly knows the inner sanctums of the EFC and what they were doing regarding the Hurley issue. If it has been alleged that something has happened, it must have happened?

Reason why it was kept quiet is because it's up to the courts. By having this front page news for the past 5 months it would or could effect his case and both sides wouldn't get a just outcome. Essendon FC wouldn't want to jeopardise the case, as it would open up a whole new can or worms.

Give us an example of what you wanted to hear if you think the way Essendon has handled it is pathetic.

I don't want to be hearing anything about it at the end of Feb. Should be yesterdays news. Instead it's spiked public interest in the case both just before the case and just before the start of the season.

This is a worst case for sponsors, fans, the player, and the team.

[Kong]

The 5 month delay on the penalty, only to then receive a part penalty, supposedly because with the case pending they couldn't give the full penalty, only to then increase the penalty before the case... Wasn't that speculation on The Age's behalf?

Nothing's been confirmed yet, last time I checked.

[yodellinhank]

Au contraire, you're ignoring the implications of this idiocy from the EFC.

We are accepting that Hurley was being racist by default if we make him do community work with the Indian community. The club knows, and we all know, that this was not racially motivated, and thus the punishment is pure scapegoating by the EFC.

If I were Hurley, I'd be severely pissed that I was being hung out to dry for something I didn't do (i.e. racially-motivated assault).

I can see how you view it that way. However, considering that the punishment would have more than likely included some sort of community service, i think it might as well be something like this. If Hurley is the good bloke he was made out to be when we drafted him, he would no doubt excel in some form of community participation, proving the fact he is not a racist along the way.

I wouldn't even be surprised if the player himself was involved in discussions about what he thought his punishment would include, and may have even sought this as a way to clear his name, if he himself felt he was being painted in the wrong light.

The magazine about community involvement by the players included with last years annual report was a great eye opener and made me proud to say i'm a member (not that i already wasn't;)). Involvement with the Indian community is a great idea in any event, as it adds to our club's reputation of multiculturalism.

[stay true]

The fact he is to do work with the Indian community is a disgrace of the highest order. The cabbie's nationality is irrelevant.
****in ay. I blame the media that have been perpetuating the prejudicial racial attack nonsense. It's a joke.

[Knight Ryders]

May be Hurley should give Andrew Symonds a call.

[Frothies Mcveigh]

The fact he is to do work with the Indian community is a disgrace of the highest order. The cabbie's nationality is irrelevant.

2 games is what I suggested initially, so on that front, I'm not changing my mind.

Completely agree, nationality has nothing to do with it at all. 2 games is a fair punishment and what matters now is that he focuses on the footy and returns in Round 3 to smash Carlton. :cool:

[killerspud]

But Hurley didn't racially assault anyone. His nationally is therefore irrelevant. He's being scapegoated by the AFL

And how do all you Bomber people know that it wasn't racially motivated???

I think the punishment doesn't go far enough - this man is a hero for thousands of nuff nuffs - what kind of message does his behaviour send out. So drunk he can't remember...

[Skeeta Olly]

And how do all you Bomber people know that it wasn't racially motivated???

I think the punishment doesn't go far enough - this man is a hero for thousands of nuff nuffs - what kind of message does his behaviour send out. So drunk he can't remember...

..and how do you know he was?

Innocent until proven guilty.

[Ben the Gooner]

And how do all you Bomber people know that it wasn't racially motivated???

I, like Michael Hurley, am an Australian. Therefore, I subscribe to the "innocent until proven guilty" belief. You should try it.

I think the punishment doesn't go far enough - this man is a hero for thousands of nuff nuffs - what kind of message does his behaviour send out. So drunk he can't remember...

We've sent a message, but we aren't a ****ing church group. We exist to win games of football, and having him missing for a Geelong game and a Freo game in Melbourne isn't going to affect the likely 1-1 outcome. After that, the season starts. I want him playing.

[GuzzLG]

And how do all you Bomber people know that it wasn't racially motivated???
How do we know that Mitchell and Hodge aren't members of the KKK?

[efcboy]

i'm not happy about this.
dane swan was found guilty in a civil lawsuit of assault in fed square that led to hospitalisation of the victim. where's his suspension???

hurley's alleged victim did not require hospitalisation and race should be irrelevant.

its actually racist that hurley's name is being slandered.

we might need to adopt the hawks strategy:

FREE HURLEY!

[Kong]

How do we know that Mitchell and Hodge aren't members of the KKK?How do we know that the two players in a prominent BF member's username and others aren't junkies?

Just sayin'..

[efcboy]

And how do all you Bomber people know that it wasn't racially motivated???

I think the punishment doesn't go far enough - this man is a hero for thousands of nuff nuffs - what kind of message does his behaviour send out. So drunk he can't remember...

on the flipside killerdud,

how do you know that it was racially motivated?

its one man's word against anothers. should we take the word of hurley or that of the taxi driver?

as for being so drunk he can't remember - there is no direct quote from either club or player stating that. caroline wilson wrote her opinion saying that and it could be incorrect.

if hurley is a hero for thousands of nuff-nuffs then shouldn't taxi drivers all around the world be cheering him?

buddy franklin is weak at bumping, hawthorn should recruit matthew lloyd to teach their players how to bump effectively.

[stay true]

Killerspud = Cartman from the killing the smurfs episode. Or does he?

[Enki]

Ok, I'll bite:

And how do all you Bomber people know that it wasn't racially motivated???

Wow, talk about shifting the burden of proof.


I think the punishment doesn't go far enough - this man is a hero for thousands of nuff nuffs

Come on, he isn't Buddy Franklin.


what kind of message does his behaviour send out. So drunk he can't remember...

That he indulges in legal drugs?

[yaco55]

I maintained from the beginning of this saga that the AFL would be involved in any decision made by EFC.

I suggest the delay in the decison ( nothwithstanding EFC have a good relationship with AFL ) was because of continuing dialogue between the AFL and EFC.

I believe that EFC has been hoodwinked in their punishment for Hurley for two reasons

1) A two match penalty is fine ( i suggested one week ) but it shouldn't have included the NAB Cup/Challenge series also

2) Community work with the Indian Community seems a strange penalty. I was in Australia in November 2008 and July 2009 and we caught many taxis. My wife still complains to this day that we never had one caucasian taxi driver. So it is likely that if you are drunk and decide to assault a taxi driver that it could be an Indian, Pakistani or Sri Lankan.

[Internal Memo]

Is the work in the indian community an isolated EFC punishment or part of the diversion program? If its a request from the alleged victim I'm ok with that. If I was assaulted and community work so part of the punishment, I'd want it to be done in my town. I'd want to see it; I'd want to know it was benefiting my community.

[un_eggs]

Is the work in the indian community an isolated EFC punishment or part of the diversion program? If its a request from the alleged victim I'm ok with that. If I was assaulted and community work so part of the punishment, I'd want it to be done in my town. I'd want to see it; I'd want to know it was benefiting my community.

It won't hurt him to do some community work with them. Hazard to guess he may never have been involved in such a way with an ethnic group. Good for his maturity and insight into the broader world. His kick to the groin may have been a split second unconscious racist seed that even he can't explain. If it can create an empathetic element to his nature then well and good.

[hugorune]

None of you guys were there, so you don't know whether Hurley expressed any racism or what. Given the attitudes that I've seen from a fair number of australians (who would all claim to be "not racist but..."), the suggestion that Hurley might have said something really inappropriate at the time is not an unreasonable one. I'm not saying that it *did* happen that way, but there is a suggestion that it might have happened, and it's certainly not impossible.

If this happened, it's not a blight on his character, its just the reality of the fact that a lot of young Australians have an unfortunate lack of respect for other cultures and races, based on a lack of understanding. It doesn't make me dislike the kid, btw. I just think he *may* have some growing up to do - and I think some people on this forum have some growing up to do as well.

Whatever happened - because no one here knows for sure - work with the Indian community will do him a lot of good and the club as well.

[Murph_S13]

The delay in announcing home and away games penalty detracts from its PR value. The initial sanction seemed weak and really didn't hurt player or club.

Timing-wise, the club hasn't taken a trick. The initial sanction, coming in the wake of the Stokes situation at the cattery looked like a lame reaction. Announcing a H&A sanction just after Lovett's sacking again looks like they're being reactive.

IF the club were on the front foot PR-wise on this issue, the sanction, including H&A games, should have been announced within a few weeks of pre-season training commencing.

[hugorune]

IF the club were on the front foot PR-wise on this issue, the sanction, including H&A games, should have been announced within a few weeks of pre-season training commencing.

Yeah. I'm not a big fan of delayed penalty announcements either.
Still, whats done is done. Hopefully Hurley will come out fired up in Round 3 and turn it on against the old enemy.

[mattyboy_666]

death by 1000 cuts anyone?
sick of this stuff now. i completely agree with the 2 game ban, he's probably lucky if he just gets that.

but seriously, lets just play some footy...

[BringBackCransberg]

None of you guys were there, so you don't know whether Hurley expressed any racism or what. Given the attitudes that I've seen from a fair number of australians (who would all claim to be "not racist but..."), the suggestion that Hurley might have said something really inappropriate at the time is not an unreasonable one. I'm not saying that it *did* happen that way, but there is a suggestion that it might have happened, and it's certainly not impossible.

Innocent til proven otherwise. Saying, "it's certainly not impossible", it happening is not "unreasonable" is the kind of foggy mudslinging that the court process is supposed to cut through. Yes this is a forum and not a court, but you'd like to think all of us here subscribe to the same basic values as the justice system (and as such, act through them).


If this happened, it's not a blight on his character, its just the reality of the fact that a lot of young Australians have an unfortunate lack of respect for other cultures and races, based on a lack of understanding.

If it did happened, it is a blight on his character. And if it is "reality" that a lot of young Australians are the way you say they are, it's a blight on their characters too.

The delay in announcing home and away games penalty detracts from its PR value. The initial sanction seemed weak and really didn't hurt player or club.

Timing-wise, the club hasn't taken a trick. The initial sanction, coming in the wake of the Stokes situation at the cattery looked like a lame reaction. Announcing a H&A sanction just after Lovett's sacking again looks like they're being reactive.

IF the club were on the front foot PR-wise on this issue, the sanction, including H&A games, should have been announced within a few weeks of pre-season training commencing.

Is this kind of thinking a big part of any other football fans' frustration this summer? I'm going to spew with how much the clubs/league/members(current and potential) have let the game turn into constant soap opera. Looking good comes first, being good comes second. How will history judge this stuff - you don't build Hall of Fames around clubs that care more about saving face in a crisis than doing the principled thing. It may sound impractical 'in this day and age', but it wouldn't be if just the majority of clubs were doing the right thing. We're still instinctually herd animals.

p.s. Murph, I know you're only talking "PR-wise", so this rant isn't really at you. It's just at the fact that this is what is the foremost thought for the club/league/fans in a crisis.

[Bombers36]

Murph,

Not sure an alleged drunken fracas with a cab driver weather it involves racism or minor assult is anywhere near as serious as what Stokes or Lovett have allegedly done.
Given Hurleys young age and its his first misdemeaner when compared with Lovett & Stokes I think the penalty fits the alleged crime at this point in time and is not weak.
As for the delay in the announecment of the penalty that could have been handled better from a PR point of view, maybe the club wanted some more info on the whole incident before deciding what to do.
I know I have had a cab drivers that I havent been happy with over the years and theres 2 sides to every story so I dont think we can crucify the kid for this misdemeaner

[Skeeta Olly]

None of you guys were there, so you don't know whether Hurley expressed any racism or what. Given the attitudes that I've seen from a fair number of australians (who would all claim to be "not racist but..."), the suggestion that Hurley might have said something really inappropriate at the time is not an unreasonable one. I'm not saying that it *did* happen that way, but there is a suggestion that it might have happened, and it's certainly not impossible.

I see what you're saying, but the thing is, I don't think he attacked the taxi driver because he was Indian.

[stander]

The initial sanction seemed weak and really didn't hurt player or club.

IF the club were on the front foot PR-wise on this issue, the sanction, including H&A games, should have been announced within a few weeks of pre-season training commencing.

You're being too flippant here, young Hurley was suspended by EFC for 4 eligible football matches, and that's his trade, and thats EFC's primary business.

The penalty hurts more when delivered by your peers, and in this case, the leadership group. As Jobe wasn't anointed till late in the year, the message had to wait.

[stander]

This whole thing is now laughable...

The 5 month delay on the penalty, only to then receive a part penalty, supposedly because with the case pending they couldn't give the full penalty, only to then increase the penalty before the case... Apology accepted Stander (Oh but I forgot, Robson was busy appointing a new captain and dealing with Lloyd leaving so couldn' have possibly handled this issue also...)

The inclusion of the race card (imposed by EFC not the AFL), deliberately or not - insinuating that Hurley is a racist and further fueling the fire.

The follow the leader penalty structure.

The lack of communication on the issue from the club to the broader community.

Very St Kilda'ish. Hardly the way you'd like a league powerhouse to operate. Pathetic.

I can't seem to recall you jumping up and down last year about the Hurley delay, and being pro active. You prefer to latch on to any bad press and hang it on the adminstration and the football department, including Knights of all people. Old Sheedy has found a new client up west Sydney way, I'm sure he'd welcome a supporter like you. Hislop might get a geurnsey too.

[TheDon35]

I can't seem to recall you jumping up and down last year about the Hurley delay, and being pro active. You prefer to latch on to any bad press and hang it on the adminstration and the football department, including Knights of all people. Old Sheedy has found a new client up west Sydney way, I'm sure he'd welcome a supporter like you. Hislop might get a geurnsey too.

There's always going to be an excuse isn't there...

We couldn't give a punishment because the captain wasn't appointed.... Lloyd retired so we were too busy...

Joke.

[TheDon35]

I can't seem to recall you jumping up and down last year about the Hurley delay, and being pro active. You prefer to latch on to any bad press and hang it on the adminstration and the football department, including Knights of all people. Old Sheedy has found a new client up west Sydney way, I'm sure he'd welcome a supporter like you. Hislop might get a geurnsey too.

Jesus, if I was going to be pro-active on every issue then i'd have been kicked off here long ago.

I still don't understand the sheedy obsession you have, It's completely wrong but if the way you get your thrills is by making up opinions for someone and slandering them all over forums like this then you really are a sad and pathetic human.

[bipolarbeaR]

Great, there goes his Brownlow...

[stander]

Jesus, if I was going to be pro-active on every issue then i'd have been kicked off here long ago.

I still don't understand the sheedy obsession you have, It's completely wrong but if the way you get your thrills is by making up opinions for someone and slandering them all over forums like this then you really are a sad and pathetic human.

You're like the guy at the pubtab telling everyone he picked the winner,.. after the race. That's how you operate, we'll live with it.

The obsessions all yours, bugger me how Knights justified your admonishment on this issue. New coach perhaps, who arguably took on one of the hardest job in VFL/AFL history.

Some of the thrills come from supporting the Dons, you're a recurring toothache.

[TheDon35]

You're like the guy at the pubtab telling everyone he picked the winner,.. after the race. That's how you operate, we'll live with it.

The obsessions all yours, bugger me how Knights justified your admonishment on this issue. New coach perhaps, who arguably took on one of the hardest job in VFL/AFL history.

Some of the thrills come from supporting the Dons, you're a recurring toothache.

As said, just go on making up false opinions for people you don't know, spraying them all over public forums and hopefully that will justify your existence to yourself.

[FandangoDingo]

A couple of years ago, I had a cabbie that refused to allow me to carry Take-away food home in his taxi... Not if I promised NOT to eat in the taxi and not even if I put the food in the boot! This was after I'd already traveled 20 mins with him and only had 3-5 more mins travel home (after the requested Macca's stop). He said he didn't want his taxi stunk up, which was a little rich, given I'd quietly and politely endured his own rancid BO!

I got dropped of at the Golden Arches, paid him and gave him an earful.

I wonder if Hurley's incident had any of these components?

[whats_at_stake]

A couple of years ago, I had a cabbie that refused to allow me to carry Take-away food home in his taxi... Not if I promised NOT to eat in the taxi and not even if I put the food in the boot! This was after I'd already traveled 20 mins with him and only had 3-5 more mins travel home (after the requested Macca's stop). He said he didn't want his taxi stunk up, which was a little rich, given I'd quietly and politely endured his own rancid BO!

I got dropped of at the Golden Arches, paid him and gave him an earful.

I wonder if Hurley's incident had any of these components?

Stop trying to justify or mitigate the circumstances. At the end of the day Hurley was there after midnight AND severely intoxicated. Are you suggested someone who is clearly drunk is going to be the "lesser" of the aggressor?

He will cop his penalty and hopefully move on and become a great 10 year player for us. Let's wait to see how he pleads at the court hearing and be thankful the driver agreed to a diversion program which well make any potential penalty at a lot lower.

[B-Bomber]

A couple of years ago, I had a cabbie that refused to allow me to carry Take-away food home in his taxi... Not if I promised NOT to eat in the taxi and not even if I put the food in the boot! This was after I'd already traveled 20 mins with him and only had 3-5 more mins travel home (after the requested Macca's stop). He said he didn't want his taxi stunk up, which was a little rich, given I'd quietly and politely endured his own rancid BO!

I got dropped of at the Golden Arches, paid him and gave him an earful.

I wonder if Hurley's incident had any of these components?

Unless I was really thirsty and had no drinks in my fridge i would have emptied my coke all over his seats for that :P

[Ben the Gooner]

stander, TheDon35, enough.

You've both made your points. Time to call it quits, or move to PMs.

[FandangoDingo]

Stop trying to justify or mitigate the circumstances. At the end of the day Hurley was there after midnight AND severely intoxicated. Are you suggested someone who is clearly drunk is going to be the "lesser" of the aggressor?

He will cop his penalty and hopefully move on and become a great 10 year player for us. Let's wait to see how he pleads at the court hearing and be thankful the driver agreed to a diversion program which well make any potential penalty at a lot lower.

Bite me!! Read my earlier posts in this thread. I'm sharing a situation I experienced where a taxi driver was unreasonable and antagonistic. I wasn't pissed at the time, but according to you, you are automatically the "primary aggressor" if you are.

I am looking for a reason for an altercation by someone who is, by all accounts, a nice young bloke. You seem to know everything. Please enlighten us all as to the details of the incident. Tell me the circumstances of Hurley leaving the taxi and being pursued by the driver. Was he thrown out? Did he try do a runner? Did he intend to return to the vehicle? Did the taxi driver lay his hands on Hurley at all? If Hurley was the sole aggressor, how is it that the incident occurred away from the vehicle?

Please share your wisdom.... ya knob!

[whats_at_stake]

Bite me!! Read my earlier posts in this thread. I'm sharing a situation I experienced where a taxi driver was unreasonable and antagonistic. I wasn't pissed at the time, but according to you, you are automatically the "primary aggressor" if you are.

I am looking for a reason for an altercation by someone who is, by all accounts, a nice young bloke. You seem to know everything. Please enlighten us all as to the details of the incident. Tell me the circumstances of Hurley leaving the taxi and being pursued by the driver. Was he thrown out? Did he try do a runner? Did he intend to return to the vehicle? Did the taxi driver lay his hands on Hurley at all? If Hurley was the sole aggressor, how is it that the incident occurred away from the vehicle?

Please share your wisdom.... ya knob!

I am not suggesting Hurley is the sole aggressor, all I am saying is that an heavily intoxicated person is more likely to be the aggressor as the effects of alcohol are well known in these situations. There is a difference there.

Hurley probably is this nice person you claim he his however once you get alcohol in your system nice people turn into a lot worse. Maybe he did nothing. Guess we will find out in court. However a reason for his altercation could quite possibly be the effects of alcohol

This also means how about we wait till the court hearing before indirectly asserting the taxi driver may have been to blame or whether Hurley was to blame. All I said in my post was a drunk person is more likely to be the aggressor. That is all....ya knob:)

[FandangoDingo]

I am not suggesting Hurley is the sole aggressor, all I am saying is that an heavily intoxicated person is more likely to be the aggressor as the effects of alcohol are well known in these situations. There is a difference there.

Hurley probably is this nice person you claim he his however once you get alcohol in your system nice people turn into a lot worse. Maybe he did nothing. Guess we will find out in court. However a reason for his altercation could quite possibly be the effects of alcohol

This also means how about we wait till the court hearing before indirectly asserting the taxi driver may have been to blame or whether Hurley was to blame. All I said in my post was a drunk person is more likely to be the aggressor. That is all....ya knob:)

Let's just theorise that in the example I gave, I decided I wasn't going to walk home AND pay the cabbie. Let's say I told the cabbie he could wait for me to get my food and I would pay him only once he'd taken me to my final destination.... or he could abandon the fare there... his choice. If the cabbie then pursued me and got physical with me and an altercation ensued, who would you consider to be the primary aggressor? Would your assessment change if I/the passenger was pissed?

Would you agree that this scenario might count as mitigating circumstances? (I acknowledge it's just a theory)

Can you think of another scenario where the altercation would occur away from the vehicle, apart from the passenger doing a runner, which would seem unlikely if you then go queue up for a burger?

Obviously Hurley shouldn't have been that drunk and out so late but I'd also suggest that the cabbie's correct course of action would have been to call the police if he had a problem with his passenger, rather than take matters into his own hands.

I'm just suggesting that things aren't always black and white. I was certainly not absolving Hurley of all responsibility and blame, as my earlier post clearly stated. I was just posing some possible factors.

You say drunk = the aggressor & 100% to blame, regardless of the circumstances. It's not always the case.

Feel free to pose your own theory and answer any of the questions I posed in my last post.

[whats_at_stake]

Let's just theorise that in the example I gave, I decided I wasn't going to walk home AND pay the cabbie. Let's say I told the cabbie he could wait for me to get my food and I would pay him only once he'd taken me to my final destination.... or he could abandon the fare there... his choice. If the cabbie then pursued me and got physical with me and an altercation ensued, who would you consider to be the primary aggressor? Would your assessment change if I/the passenger was pissed?

Would you agree that this scenario might count as mitigating circumstances? (I acknowledge it's just a theory)

Can you think of another scenario where the altercation would occur away from the vehicle, apart from the passenger doing a runner, which would seem unlikely if you then go queue up for a burger?

Obviously Hurley shouldn't have been that drunk and out so late but I'd also suggest that the cabbie's correct course of action would have been to call the police if he had a problem with his passenger, rather than take matters into his own hands.

I'm just suggesting that things aren't always black and white. I was certainly not absolving Hurley of all responsibility and blame, as my earlier post clearly stated. I was just posing some possible factors.

You say drunk = the aggressor & 100% to blame, regardless of the circumstances. It's not always the case.

Feel free to pose your own theory and answer any of the questions I posed in my last post.

First of all at NO stage did I say "drunk=100% aggressor & 100% to blame". Read my post again and all I said drunk people are more likely to be the aggressor. I also suggested we wait till the court hearing before apportioning the blame.

With your circumstances could be a mitigating factor however at the same time it can be said the cabbie, most likely who has experienced people doing runners, thought Hurley was doing a runner, even if he was not.

I think the law takes into account the situation and assess the situation from the point of view if Hurley was not drunk. Would it be reasonable for him to resort to alleged physical means when someone allegedly aggressively asked for a fare? Probably not if he was sober.

I certainly agree with you that it may not be black and white, all I am saying this definitely is not the case that it is not black and white. Maybe the cab driver was aggressive and Hurley reacted like a drunk person would, but that still in no way justifies assault (as you agree as well)? Maybe the cab driver was the one who started the altercation and pushed Hurley? Maybe it was all Hurley's fault and we will see him pleading guilty at the court hearing? The fact is no one knows for sure and we will not find out till March.

I just find it annoying that some people (not yourself) are looking for any way to justify his actions at the expense of the cab driver. If anyone else had done this for a lot of posters it would be a open and shut case. At the end of the day the cab driver has agreed to a diversion program (this is a big help to Hurley) and the case is yet to be heard. Let us wait and see before deciding who was to blame.

[Daytripper]

There is no justification for kneeing or kicking - especially one on one and against someone smaller than you. None.

Its low and part of the reason society in some parts of town has gone to the shits.

[FandangoDingo]

There is no justification for kneeing or kicking - especially one on one and against someone smaller than you. None.

Its low and part of the reason society in some parts of town has gone to the shits.

Agreed... unless you're in the Octagon. ;)

I hadn't heard any reports of the cabbie's height. Or is that just an assumption?

[Trav0]

anyone know if the Hungry jacks in question has a drive thru and if it was open at this time of night??

Cab drivers are supposed to service the public if this cabbie was not doing as the passenger says then he is also in the wrong!

i've had to lie about where i wanted to go just to get a cab drivers to let me in the car!

and there is justification for kicking/kneeing, if someone attacks me thats option number 1! for example
a cabbie doesn't take me where i want to go, in this case hungry jacks on the way home from a pub, i can get out of the cab and not have to pay because he hasnt taken me where i wanted to go, so i get out to goto hungry jacks then he grabs me from behind i turn around and kick him. i dont know what this guy is capable of, he doesn't even know the laws of driving a cab!

[Daytripper]

anyone know if the Hungry jacks in question has a drive thru and if it was open at this time of night??

Cab drivers are supposed to service the public if this cabbie was not doing as the passenger says then he is also in the wrong!

i've had to lie about where i wanted to go just to get a cab drivers to let me in the car!

and there is justification for kicking/kneeing, if someone attacks me thats option number 1! for example
a cabbie doesn't take me where i want to go, in this case hungry jacks on the way home from a pub, i can get out of the cab and not have to pay because he hasnt taken me where i wanted to go, so i get out to goto hungry jacks then he grabs me from behind i turn around and kick him. i dont know what this guy is capable of, he doesn't even know the laws of driving a cab!

There is never any justification for kicking or kneeing.

Its a dog act.

[Daytripper]

Agreed... unless you're in the Octagon. ;)

I hadn't heard any reports of the cabbie's height. Or is that just an assumption?

Its a pretty dammed good assumption considering Hurley's size.

[Trav0]

There is never any justification for kicking or kneeing.

Its a dog act.

in self defence anything goes...

[yaco55]

The Taxi Driver's turban would have artificially inflated his height.:)

[shifty mp]

The Taxi Driver's turban would have artificially inflated his height.:)

You need Vindaloo: breakfast, lunch & tea ...

[Valve Bounce]

Can't do much more than that. Educate on drinking, racism and miss out on playing/money. Damage to personal rep.

Hurley can turn a negative into a positive for himself and the club if he embraces the Indian community.

I hope he gets a good curry out of all this. :p

[shifty mp]

See an acknowledgement that the majority ofviolence against Indians is not racially motivated, but that the violence in Victoria is greater than any other State. Cant see it helping Hurley, the courts cant hit the offenders with a wet lettuce.

[bomberbilly]

See an acknowledgement that the majority ofviolence against Indians is not racially motivated, but that the violence in Victoria is greater than any other State. Cant see it helping Hurley, the courts cant hit the offenders with a wet lettuce.

it would be racist of the courts to treat this case any differently just because it was an indian that was attacked, and guess what, they wont treat it any differently.

[Lance Uppercut]

See an acknowledgement that the majority ofviolence against Indians is not racially motivated, but that the violence in Victoria is greater than any other State. Cant see it helping Hurley, the courts cant hit the offenders with a wet lettuce.

you don't know anything about the doctrine of Separation of Powers, do you?

[Ben the Gooner]

you don't know anything about the doctrine of Separation of Powers, do you?

Course not.

There's more than one syllable in "Separation" and in "Powers" and he's a filth supporter.

[shifty mp]

you don't know anything about the doctrine of Separation of Powers, do you?

Cobblers, its got nothing to do with it. True that the Courts rarely reflect public opinion in sentencing, but they do sometimes send a message with a sentence. March 5?

[Lance Uppercut]

Cobblers, its got nothing to do with it. True that the Courts rarely reflect public opinion in sentencing, but they do sometimes send a message with a sentence. March 5?

nothing to do with it? lol.

It's a fundamental tenet of the legal system. No only does it have "nothing to do with it", but in fact it has EVERYTHING to do with it.

Read my lips. Because of the doctrine of the separation of powers it is structurally impossible for the court to in any way take the political climate in another country into consideration when sentencing.

Only simpletons would think otherwise, particularly after it's been pointed out to them...

[GuzzLG]

nothing to do with it? lol.

It's a fundamental tenet of the legal system. No only does it have "nothing to do with it", but in fact it has EVERYTHING to do with it.

Read my lips. Because of the doctrine of the separation of powers it is structurally impossible for the court to in any way take the political climate in another country into consideration when sentencing.

Only simpletons would think otherwise, particularly after it's been pointed out to them...
There's a doctrine in place to split power between the law-makers, administrators and adjudicators in order to prevent tyranny and protect our human rights? Phew... I thought John Brumby was going to send Hurley to jail by passing a Bill in State Parliament.

[Lance Uppercut]

There's a doctrine in place to split power between the law-makers, administrators and adjudicators in order to prevent tyranny and protect our human rights? Phew... I thought John Brumby was going to send Hurley to jail by passing a Bill in State Parliament.

apparently we are outsourcing our constitution & Judiciary to India. This will ensure that we get favourable coverage in The Times of India. Also, we will save a bundle!

[GuzzLG]

apparently we are outsourcing our constitution & Judiciary to India. This will ensure that we get favourable coverage in The Times of India. Also, we will save a bundle!
That's a good idea. Who needs judges when we can pay some guy in an India call centre $5/hr to resolve our legal disputes.

[mark1881]

Looks like it might be more like 3-4 weeks by the sound sof it.

Essendon's Michael Hurley faces day of truth

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/essendons-michael-hurley-faces-day-of-truth/story-e6frf9jf-1225836407554?from=public_rss

After the hearing, Hurley will make a statement, where his suspension, possibly for three to four matches, will be announced.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/essendons-michael-hurley-faces-day-of-truth/story-e6frf9jf-1225836407554?from=public_rss