5AA in Deep Schmitt OFFICIAL AFLUA RELEASE

[RadioShark]

Media Release
“AFLUA supports Justin Schmitt in defamation action against 5AA”
14 May 2002

The Australian Football League Umpires’ Association (AFLUA) and Justin Schmitt met yesterday with their lawyers Lander & Rogers in relation to the scurrilous and damaging bribery allegations made against Justin Schmitt on Adelaide radio station 5AA’s breakfast program on Friday 10 May 2002.
Formerly of Adelaide, senior AFL field umpire Justin Schmitt relocated to Melbourne in early 2001 to pursue his AFL career together with his career as an in-house lawyer for a leading financial institution.
The allegations made by 5AA employee Stephen Rowe last Friday are extremely hurtful and damaging to Justin Schmitt both in his role as an AFL field umpire and as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria. These allegations are as serious as any which can be made of an umpire in Australian football. The allegations go to the very fabric of umpiring and to Schmitt’s integrity and propriety as a lawyer.
Schmitt’s lawyers, Lander & Rogers, have written to 5AA demanding an unreserved apology from both 5AA and Stephen Rowe together with financial compensation.
Justin Schmitt is pursuing this action completely independently of any action which Collingwood Football Club might bring in relation to these totally unfounded allegations.
Justin Schmitt vigorously denies the allegations made and has the full support of the AFLUA in pursuing his defamation action against 5AA and Stephen Rowe.
AFLUA Chief Executive Officer Rob Anderson said today:
“Justin Schmitt is a tremendous asset to AFL football, he loves his football and the contribution he has made to it through his umpiring. Stephen Rowe’s comments are a disgrace and drag down the public’s perception of the integrity of AFL umpires and football generally.”

 

[BigKev]

Originally posted by RadioShark
AFLUA Chief Executive Officer Rob Anderson said today:
“Justin Schmitt is a tremendous asset to AFL football, he loves his football and the contribution he has made to it through his umpiring. Stephen Rowe’s comments are a disgrace and drag down the public’s perception of the integrity of AFL umpires and football generally.”

Couldn't agree more with this comment. This was a disgraceful act on Stephen Rowe's behalf.

BigKev

 

[Docker_Brat]

The depths of Stephen Rowe's stupidity (or perhaps naivety) knows no bounds.

Fancy accusing a lawyer of taking a bribe, if anyone is going to sue it'd be someone in the legal profession.

D'oh

 

[daicos4ever]

Originally posted by Docker_Brat
The depths of Stephen Rowe's stupidity (or perhaps naivety) knows no bounds.

Fancy accusing a lawyer of taking a bribe, if anyone is going to sue it'd be someone in the legal profession.

D'oh

I assume Collingwood are pursuing legal action as well.....

 

[Crow54]

This whole thing has made my blood boil.

Stephen Rowe is an extremely nice guy, who wouldn't hurt a fly. By repeating a RUMOUR on a radio programme which hosts a "Rumour File" every morning, he may have been foolish and naive to think that others wouldn't find it an amusing aside.

If Eddie hadn't blown the whole thing on national television, just how many people would know about it?

The station and Stephen have unreservedly apologised repeatedly to all concerned.

Stephen Rowe has been indefinitely suspended from all duties at 5AA. He and his wife are distraught about the whole thing. He has a young family, and now faces legal action, which may result in him losing his house, his career and his media future.

I just hope Eddie McGuire is happy. Personally I despise him and wonder how he can sleep straight in bed at night after ruining a young man who showed no malice and is deeply regretful of his misdemeanour.

 

[JUBJUB]

Originally posted by Crow54


I just hope Eddie McGuire is happy. Personally I despise him and wonder how he can sleep straight in bed at night

He doesn't.He curls himself around Nafan.

 

[BrainOfMorbius]

I feel sorry for the guy, but as a professional broadcaster he should've known that this pile of rubbish crossed the line. It's one thing to repeat rumours that Player A was seen having lunch with Coach B or that Players C and D don't get on. It's quite another to slur umpires and officials with accusations of bribery without a shred of proof.

I'm not often in agreement with Eddie McG, but he and the umpires association are perfectly entitled to take this action. What if they didn't take any action? People would assume there must be some truth in it. It just can't be allowed to stand.

 

[Crow54]

I feel that they protest too much..... I hadn't heard about this before Eddie mouthed off on national TV. Now most people I speak to think there might be something in it. First form of defence is attack and all that stuff.

If Eddie hadn't gone so balistic, and the rumour was repeated in Adelaide, I would have laughed it off.

 

[Crow54]

Get real. Rumours far worse than this have proliferated here for yonks.

My point was that the fact Eddie mouthed off so much made me suspicious. If he'd gone quietly to 5AA and Stephen, and asked them to apologise it would have gone away. By broadcasting it nationwide he drew attention to it, which can only be used by 5AA in its defence.

 

[Rumourmunger]

Originally posted by Crow54
He has a young family, and now faces legal action, which may result in him losing his house, his career and his media future.

Live by the Sword Die by the Sword.

Hopefully its the end of CROW RADIO

 

[Unley Legend]

Originally posted by RadioShark
Media Release
“AFLUA supports Justin Schmitt in defamation action against 5AA”
14 May 2002

Stephen Rowe’s comments are a disgrace and drag down the public’s perception of the integrity of AFL umpires and football generally.”

How could you possibly drag down the public's perception of umpires? "I've heard it said" they're "pond scum"!

 

[Carringbush 35e]

Hey Crows 54, are you aware of how biased your arguments are, this is the very reason why Steven Rowe has got himself into this self inflicted mess. He was trying to have a go at Collingwood, Eddie and the umpire because Buckley got off and McLeod didn't, from where I was standing they were 2 different cases altoghether, and if he had a problem, then maybe the tribunal should be blamed.

Eddie McGuire has every right to claim damages, as Rowe's stupidity has an affect on present and future ponsorships with the club, this slur could cost the club and eddie heaps, so he has the right to clear his and the clubs name.

Personally I think that Rowe should loose his job (and if you think this is too harsh then think about how much this could cost the station in payouts, and if he is a professional, he should know better), the radio station to spend some money on public appologies (radio, newspapers, television) and then donate some money to a worthwhile charity

 

[Crow54]

Yeah, right .... as if something said half in jest at a little "hick, backwater" radio station in "moronville" South Australia is going to affect sponsorship of the biggest, best, most loved team in the WORLD. All Eddie can see are $ signs flashing in front of his eyes.

Personally, I believe in Karma and I'm waiting patiently for Eddie to get his.

 

[Mudholian]

Well Crowboy you have given a very good reason why Schmitt ought to sue, because people like you reckon that there must be something in it, simply because of the denials.

Fancy Rowe defaming a South Australian given the stations anti-Victorian ranting. And a lawyer too. Stuopid, even by former Crow standards.

The station's responsible action in suspending Rowe and broadcasting apologies all round might get Rowe off the hook. However, comments like yours, such as 5aa can use the strength of the denials in its defense, are simply bizarre. I hope Rowe asks you for some more legal advice, he's get life for ever.

 

[Bloodstained Angel]

Maybe a few more episodes like this will see the end of the stupid, gormless, dumb and prurient tone of Football Radio in general.

Personally I'm sick to death of listening to such crap as Rowes baseless and idiotic accusations.

"rumour File' or no Rumour File, Rows is supposed to be a broadcaster and a journalist.

Even the dumbest laziest journalist in the world does not broadcast a very damaging rumour like this one without checking on the facts first.

I sincerely hope every other 'media personality' engaged in and around Football sits up and takes notice of this - its a cautionary tale if ever I saw one

cheers

 

[Jars458]

Originally posted by Mudholian
Well Crowboy you have given a very good reason why Schmitt ought to sue, because people like you reckon that there must be something in it, simply because of the denials.

Fancy Rowe defaming a South Australian given the stations anti-Victorian ranting. And a lawyer too. Stuopid, even by former Crow standards.

The station's responsible action in suspending Rowe and broadcasting apologies all round might get Rowe off the hook. However, comments like yours, such as 5aa can use the strength of the denials in its defense, are simply bizarre. I hope Rowe asks you for some more legal advice, he's get life for ever.

Trust you to turn this into a Crow thing

You are a moron

 

[Jars458]

I have not heard what Rowe said exactly but it sounds pretty stupid.

Certainly the umpire would have grounds to sue based on his personla reputation being damaged

But Collingwood taking this further after unreserved apologies have been made is really just trying to get more publicity for the Club.

No-one with any idea would believe that COllingwood would bribe an umpire over a sitiuation that was probably going to fall in their favour anyway

Rowe has been stupid and must take the consequences of such.

Whislt I do have some sympathy for him, as a journalist and a professional he should have known better.

 

[Portia]

As much as he was being paid, no-one could ever accuse Rowe of being a professional.

I reckon Eddie blew this up out of all proportion - I'm waiting for him to sue AFL club presidents next, instead of them reaching the `amicable agreements' that are met when both sides have good lawyers that cost too much for both to waste money paying.

 

[Seth]

Originally posted by Crow54
Get real. Rumours far worse than this have proliferated here for yonks.

My point was that the fact Eddie mouthed off so much made me suspicious. If he'd gone quietly to 5AA and Stephen, and asked them to apologise it would have gone away. By broadcasting it nationwide he drew attention to it, which can only be used by 5AA in its defence.

Come on if this was your club, your supporters would be up in arms as would yourself.

People have to be held accountable for their actions and what they say. I am sure when he started his journo career perhaps he would have studied something about defemation. If not then perhaps stations shouldn't be so keen to hire ex-players.

I am glad Eddie broadcast it to the world. So the world knows what total crap this is. Won't do it again will they.

 

[Lockyer24]

Another thing in life to blame on Eddie.

Sad.

Chin up you South Australian maggots

 

[Portia]

South Australian maggots? That sounds like defamation.

And the next time Sam Newman calls Graham Cornes or KG a peabrain, it'll be interesting to see what the lawyers do.

 

[Jars458]

Originally posted by Lockyer24
Another thing in life to blame on Eddie.

Sad.

Chin up you South Australian maggots

Get lost you Collingwood moron


Go and eat off the floor with your fellow pie supporters

 

[Jars458]

Originally posted by Porthos
South Australian maggots? That sounds like defamation.

And the next time Sam Newman calls Graham Cornes or KG a peabrain, it'll be interesting to see what the lawyers do.

1) Its not as its a class so large that it does not identify anyone (ie over 1 milion south aussies)

2) They are pea brains - truth is an absolute defence to defamation in SA (however not in Victoria where the comments would be made where I believe some element of public interest may need to be shown)

 

[Portia]

So as long as the group is large enough, you can call them whatever you like? Nice.

 

[roobear]

Good golly, how did this become a club v club or state v state thing?

Rowe said there were allegations of money changing hands, and then said "and I'll say this... it would happen. There you go."

The fact that a) he said it; and b) they broadcast it mean at the very least they should all be fined for gross stupidity.

"Where there's smoke there's fire" is brought up way too much these days for Collingwood or the umps to accept some broadcast apologies from the station.