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If this had of been reported to the cops it would have taken 6 months to get processed - innocent till proven guilty - and the AFL couldnt have imposed any penalty until a court case gave a decision. What a ******* bizzario world we live in that its not even serious enough to be reported, yet if it was he would have likely only got a one week club suspension for being pissed after a curfew. The world is going mad with nanny state rules and regulations.
AFL seems to have taken this as an opportunity of being seen as good just fair progressive-minded protectors of the women (sic). At least, AFL has taken it as an opportunity for making Channel 7 to own the league a big favor. Regardless of the motivation, they seem willing to bring the hammer down hard on SPP. Yet, two weeks on, and... nothing! Something is holding AFL back; otherwise, they would have brought up SPP's penalty.
This could be a sign they have problems with justification. AFL hasn't found yet how to properly justify the penalty. Thus, the league would believe that an unjustified sanction could backfire. If this is the case (huge "if"), someone would not be playing the role AFL expects him to play — it could be SPP, Port, both, someone else, etc. And that would actually matter, which would be huge if true.
AFL would be in a situation where it cannot simply do whatever and get out with it. If it brings the hammer wrongly, it may get its bullshit called out — for instance, the avenue to the Human Rights Commission is ready and wide open. Worse, if AFL is silent, SPP and/or Port would get it as an authorization to sue Channel 7. So, silence is not an option either.
By standing on his ground, SPP would have left the AFL between a rock and a hard place; but just because the league wants to protect its and its partner's image. Still, this only makes the league wanting his scalp more than ever, although they haven't found how yet.
Port should put SPP as Emergency for the SANFL game against Sturt. If nothing happens until then, SPP should play. This would rule him out of the game against North, but it would point out that we are willing to take him to Perth. That would be an unofficial three-game suspension, that Port and SPP would present as a token of good-will.
AFL would have the opportunity to wash its hands, ending the investigations and declaring that the three-week absence would be more than enough to cover for any wrongdoing SPP may have committed, even though the investigations were inconclusive. SPP would be free to play at his homestate, while his and PAFC's lawyers would seat with Channel 7's to see whether they can close a deal, with AFL as mediator — to reinforce its public image of being good, just, and fair.

