Dear Alan

[Suspense]

On the Monday he did understand that, believe or not. When it was just Heater and Didak wasn't in the car he was okay with that, and he understood from my discussions with him how stupid it is to drink drive. He still appreciated it was bad news for Collingwood.

Calling bullshit on your whole story. You have the gall to call me an idiot, but it is your entire argument that is based on a lies and mistruths.

Just another attention-seeking post without any substance whatsoever...

I highly doubt footballers would be aware of the scale of their actions and how it affects the fans so it would be nice if they did have some perspective on that

Ever consider that it is the fans who are in the wrong to begin with? Of course not because that would put the majority of supporters in the gun rather then the easy targets these football players represent.

Kirby could have taught his wonder-kid an important lesson in disassociating being a football fan from being a nuff-nuff fantantical supporter who pours their hopes and dreams into what the players do both on and off the field and feels that these players somehow owe them a social responsibility. But alas, instead he felt he would grace us with yet another nonsensical rant on how the players someone let him down. I guess when the father has NFI, what hope do you give the kid?

Players are role models, they shouldn't be, but its not going to change.

There is no inherent role model status. It is bestowed upon the players by the media, by lazy parents and by idiotic supporters. True, this is the way that things are in the modern world, but if anyone is to be blamed for as to why this is the case, it is the latter three, all of which are the first to jump on their high horses and dish it out on the players when something does goes awry, ignoring the underlying problem they essentially created...

 

[shawthing09]

Your right footballers are asked to carry the burden as it is easier to try and ask a few well compensated young men to behave responsibly then it is to curb a culture of sport fan fare which puts the same young men on such a pedestal, which allows them to earn the money they do.

It's cyclical.

Kirby has not asked them to be responsible for his kid or how he is raised, nor has he really suggested that his kid is not being taught the difference now. What he is pointing out is the enitial impact, secondly the whole sports in perspective to the rest of the world thing tends to come natural as you get older and get a better understanding of the world. At 7 I'd dare say your not aware of much outside of your direct world and if this kid and his family are collingwood supporters then Collingwood would be a big part of his world as a 7 year old.

 

[BEEG]

Dear Alan (and Heath),

Thanks to you and your stupidity my 7 year old son now has a broken heart (and I'm sure many other kids out there too) as he worships you as a football God.

My son watches endless videos of you on youtube, he mimmicks your actions, and wears a Collingwood jumper with number 4 on the back every day.

After all the shit hit the fan yesterday he was in tears before school and distraught over the whole affair. He's a bright kid and fully understands what is going on. This whole fiasco has brought ridicule upon our club that children don't fail to notice. He was still tearing up last night and is visibly fragile and I can assure you that this is a normally robust kid.

There is now talk of you being traded and this fills him with dread. You see, he still loves you.

Next time you are on the verge of doing something idiotic, please take some time out to think about all the people, including young children, who look up to you. Not only do you have a responsibilty to your team mates and club, you have a responsibilty to all us supporters who make the club what it is.

Yours sincerely

Kirby

Get over it

Didak isnt and doesnt have to be his role model his not your sons father

I love Didak and will be hurt if he leaves but he is not and doesnt have to be a role model he has to win us games and premierships

Half this blokes are still yound 20's people **** up when they are young if they didnt they wouldnt be human

But what i will say is most people learn from there mistakes

 

[Kirby]

Geez that got out of hand pretty quick, I think all Kirb was doing was pointing out the effect the football club and the players in it have on the thousands of fans, many of whom aren't old enough to take in everything that is going on. He never suggested he needed help to deal with it, or that his kid was going to be scared forever because of it.

Beyond that like it or not footballers behaviours are under the microscope now days and that won't be changed whether it is right or wrong, knowing this it is their responsiblity to deal with it and it is what comes along with the pay checks. It is no longer just being paid to kick the footy around.

Futhermore the fact of the matter is if it was your mate drink driving and nearly killing himself you would feel obligated to give him a spray as it is his friends and family who would wear it if he hurt himself which is something that people don't think of at the time they make stupid choices like that. I highly doubt footballers would be aware of the scale of their actions and how it affects the fans so it would be nice if they did have some perspective on that

Exactly.

I'm glad you understand. You hit the nail on the head.

 

[Kirby]

Calling bullshit on your whole story. You have the gall to call me an idiot, but it is your entire argument that is based on a lies and mistruths.

Just another attention-seeking post without any substance whatsoever...

Huh? That makes no sense. He was not upset about the whole thing until it blew up on Tuesday when the lies were exposed. What are you trying to say?

Kirby could have taught his wonder-kid an important lesson in disassociating being a football fan from being a nuff-nuff fantantical supporter who pours their hopes and dreams into what the players do both on and off the field and feels that these players somehow owe them a social responsibility. But alas, instead he felt he would grace us with yet another nonsensical rant on how the players someone let him down. I guess when the father has NFI, what hope do you give the kid?

You have no idea what he has been taught. You are talking complete BS.

As Shawthing pointed out, it was his initial reaction to the whole "hoopla" and I thought it would show a different perspective on how something like this effects many people. Perhaps the players might think about that.

There is no inherent role model status. It is bestowed upon the players by the media, by lazy parents and by idiotic supporters. True, this is the way that things are in the modern world, but if anyone is to be blamed for as to why this is the case, it is the latter three, all of which are the first to jump on their high horses and dish it out on the players when something does goes awry, ignoring the underlying problem they essentially created...

I never said he should be a role model. I was talking about him being a kids "football hero". Stop trying to spin things. It is you who is confusing the issues here.

By your reckoning, the angel Didak was influenced to do what he did because of pressure from 7 year old children who expect too much of him?

 

[Kirby]

Get over it

Didak isnt and doesnt have to be his role model his not your sons father

I love Didak and will be hurt if he leaves but he is not and doesnt have to be a role model he has to win us games and premierships

Half this blokes are still yound 20's people **** up when they are young if they didnt they wouldnt be human

But what i will say is most people learn from there mistakes

Did you read any of the posts since my initial post?

I suggest you do, then you might know what you are talking about a little better.

Why the f*ck would I want an obvious dill like Didak to be his role model for life? I'm talking about a magpie loving child who became upset because of the shit that all this lying has put on the club, and in turn left Didak on the verge of being axed.

Jesus, i didn't know that it was a great crime for children to have sportsmen that they admire and idolise for their ability?

 

[jimbospies]

you so called "tough guys" are a disgrace. for crying out loud the kid is 7 years old. he is not 15. Didak is the kids hero, there is no distinction to the child that didak is just a football player. didak means the world to the kid. Children could not give a rats about wars they just wanna be kids and have fun. When i was about his age i was the same with big sav rocca. kirby i support u all the way send it in to the club and hopefully someone there has half a brain(unlike on here) to pass it maybe to burns to read out not just to dids but to the whole playing group in a meeting or something. it might just put into perspective what the club means to so many supporters

 

[Suspense]

Your right footballers are asked to carry the burden as it is easier to try and ask a few well compensated young men to behave responsibly then it is to curb a culture of sport fan fare which puts the same young men on such a pedestal, which allows them to earn the money they do.

They earn their money playing football, not by acting as social ambassadors for the wider world. The money comes from sponsors who want to see their investment a success and their logo holding up the premiership cup on the last saturday in september. It also comes from members who want to see their football club win a premiership. It also comes from ticket sales, TV rights and other avenues, all which relate to the football side of the game. To achieve this success, keep the sponsors and members happy and win premierships, you need the best football players. Not the best social role models.

Bad press should be avoided and should any occurance arise it's impact should be minimised as much as possible. The club failed to do this and instead made a non-issue such as this into a massive media circus.

Huh? That makes no sense. He was not upset about the whole thing until it blew up on Tuesday when the lies were exposed. What are you trying to say?

Your story is full of shit and I'm calling you on it.

You called me an idiot, I asked for you to explain why and you gave me some sort of misinformed tirade which I responded to and refuted as a problem relating to you as a parent and the unfair social burden people like you place upon football players.

I never said he should be a role model. I was talking about him being a kids "football hero". Stop trying to spin things. It is you who is confusing the issues here.

That comment wasn't in response to your post. I can see how it's easy to get the issue confused when you can't even follow the discussion in a logical manner.

By your reckoning, the angel Didak was influenced to do what he did because of pressure from 7 year old children who expect too much of him?

It's a whole compounding of factors. I'd go into it (and have before), but I don't think you'd keep up, to be honest...

 

[Suspense]

you so called "tough guys" are a disgrace. for crying out loud the kid is 7 years old. he is not 15. Didak is the kids hero, there is no distinction to the child that didak is just a football player. didak means the world to the kid. Children could not give a rats about wars they just wanna be kids and have fun. When i was about his age i was the same with big sav rocca. kirby i support u all the way send it in to the club and hopefully someone there has half a brain(unlike on here) to pass it maybe to burns to read out not just to dids but to the whole playing group in a meeting or something. it might just put into perspective what the club means to so many supporters

i rekon that is a bloody good idea mate it would be grate if bursnsy would read this letter to dids so maybe he will then relise that he has to behave 4 the kids or the kids will growd up thinkin its ok to lie and drink and be passanger and stuff. maybe we burnesy could reed the letter to dids on today tonight i love that show mate bloody good post

 

[Kirby]

A whole heap of deflection, semantics and delusion

Just to appease you Suspense, I take full responsibilty for the whole fiasco at Collingwood. Didak and Heater have none. I understand now.

 

[Snag Breac]

It's naive to suggest that players aren't or shouldn't be role models for kids. That's how they're marketed, from McDonalds Win a Clinic with the Pies competition to the footy shops stuffed full of merchandise to tempt kids - from stationery to footy jumpers with their favourite player's number on the back.

Players are sent out as ambassadors for the game, and are continually presented as being important, special and admirable. They go to schools and community event, and they even visit sick kids (and even older barrackers) in hospital. What little boy isn't going to love and admire a star like Didak? Especially when half the men on this board are in love with him.

As a parent you do your best to guide and protect your child, but you have to let them live in their world. That world is full of footy heroes, and too many have feet of clay. It's then up to the parent to deal with the fall-out.

I would send the letter to Didak. What do we expect him to do? THINK. He seems like a thoughtless lad; but it may help to bring the consequences of his actions to his attention.

 

[Clown Prince]

Jesus people like this "somebody" di*khead and the f**kwit who "was a teacher" piss me off. This is Australia, kids have had sporting hero's since Bradman wore short pants, it is not something new, and will not cease because some overpaid self indulgent AFL and Rugby players insist on making pathetic decisions even though they are conselled on behavioral standards from the time they sign their first contracts. They are only too willing to gratefully accept the public appraisal and other significant benefits that come with the celebrity status afforded to sports stars in this country. The day they f**k up though it is not their fault, they are just young boys et al. Bullsh*t, every kid in Australia knows what it means to be a high profile sports star, if you do not want to accept ALL that goes with it, don't sign a contract. Get an education, become a proffessional in another career just for god's sake don't whinge if you are splashed across the papers for something YOU did, and accept that with the fame goes a certain level of public responibility.

 

[Suspense]

It's naive to suggest that players aren't or shouldn't be role models for kids. That's how they're marketed, from McDonalds Win a Clinic with the Pies competition to the footy shops stuffed full of merchandise to tempt kids - from stationery to footy jumpers with their favourite player's number on the back.

Players are sent out as ambassadors for the game, and are continually presented as being important, special and admirable. They go to schools and community event, and they even visit sick kids (and even older barrackers) in hospital. What little boy isn't going to love and admire a star like Didak? Especially when half the men on this board are in love with him.

As a parent you do your best to guide and protect your child, but you have to let them live in their world. That world is full of footy heroes, and too many have feet of clay. It's then up to the parent to deal with the fall-out.

I would send the letter to Didak. What do we expect him to do? THINK. He seems like a thoughtless lad; but it may help to bring the consequences of his actions to his attention.

What are they being marketed for? Is it because they are good citizens of our society or is it because they can kick a footy pretty good?

By all means, make a guy like Ben Cousins your football role model, as one of the best modern day players I've seen, that is completely acceptable, but it leave it at that. You don't know him, you don't know what makes him tick, you don't know whether he prefers pepsi or coke () and most of all, you don't know anything about his life, as a individual and independent member of society.

To have him as a role model for anything other then his football ability, say for example, your life or your son's life is completely foolish. Teach your kids to seperate football stars from people in real-life who actually are saints, who go out of their way to be positive role models for kids and provide guidance on how they should live their life. Just don't burden it on a couple of young men simply because who can kick a footy, if you do, shit like this should be of no suprise...

Tell your kids to kick the footy like Didak but don't (trying to think of something Didak has done wrong) like him. If you don't teach them this, they will end up like half of the delusional men on this board who believe that he has some sort of social responsibility towards them...

 

[sirlothie]

What are they being marketed for? Is it because they are good citizens of our society or is it because they can kick a footy pretty good?

By all means, make a guy like Ben Cousins your football role model, as one of the best modern day players I've seen, that is completely acceptable, but it leave it at that. You don't know him, you don't know what makes him tick, you don't know whether he prefers pepsi or coke () and most of all, you don't know anything about his life, as a individual and independent member of society.

To have him as a role model for anything other then his football ability, say for example, your life or your son's life is completely foolish. Teach your kids to seperate football stars from people in real-life who actually are saints, who go out of their way to be positive role models for kids and provide guidance on how they should live their life. Just don't burden it on a couple of young men simply because who can kick a footy, if you do, shit like this should be of no suprise...

Tell your kids to kick the footy like Didak but don't (trying to think of something Didak has done wrong) like him. If you don't teach them this, they will end up like half of the delusional men on this board who believe that he has some sort of social responsibility towards them...

Been around kids much?

 

[Somebody]

Yes, it is the media reaction he is upset about and the constant call for his sacking. This would not have happened (to anywhere near this extent) if if had just told the truth in the first place......

Exactly, glad you admit it. Obvioulsy it's the media absurd over-reaction and the club's threat to sack him that is upsetting him. IOW without these, he wouldn't be upset at all, and these players could continue to do what they 're paid for. I'm also upset that they have been suspended, it is extremely arrogant and irresponsible to do this to members, sponsors and other sponsors. Emirates showed by their response their bemusement at the reaction. They still have a bit of freedom over in Arabia, they are not under the vice-like grip of corporate media mind control as you and millions of other Australian dimwits now are.

Now, see, this is where you cross the line. You are an internet hero. You would never have the balls to say such crap to my face. I can gaurentee it.

this is the great thing about the internet that people can have discussions without physical intimidation. Now I see you are also a bully and of course you rely on intimidating people to win arguments and avoid criticism. I now pity your son even more.
You don't scare me pal. Next time I'm in Australia I promise to let you know and we can arrange a meeting. I wouldn't advise that you bring your son.

 

[Clown Prince]

Mr Suspense, does it ever get lonely up there on your pedestal?

 

[Suspense]

Been around kids much?

Something you'd like to say, sirlothie? Or you just going to keep up with the silly little snipes?

Mr Suspense, does it ever get lonely up there on your pedestal?

'Bout as lonely as the Freo trophy cabinet...

 

[Brad Goodman]

Its pretty obvious what's he saying, Suspense, and you know it.

Order a 7-year-old not to idolise his footy hero? IMPOSSIBLE! You're deluded if you think otherwise.

 

[Clown Prince]

A pathetic little West Coast type snipe there Mr Suspense, and you have the audacity to have a go at others for sniping.
Idiot.

 

[Snag Breac]

What are they being marketed for? Is it because they are good citizens of our society or is it because they can kick a footy pretty good?

By all means, make a guy like Ben Cousins your football role model, as one of the best modern day players I've seen, that is completely acceptable, but it leave it at that. You don't know him, you don't know what makes him tick, you don't know whether he prefers pepsi or coke () and most of all, you don't know anything about his life, as a individual and independent member of society.

To have him as a role model for anything other then his football ability, say for example, your life or your son's life is completely foolish. Teach your kids to seperate football stars from people in real-life who actually are saints, who go out of their way to be positive role models for kids and provide guidance on how they should live their life. Just don't burden it on a couple of young men simply because who can kick a footy, if you do, shit like this should be of no suprise...

Tell your kids to kick the footy like Didak but don't (trying to think of something Didak has done wrong) like him. If you don't teach them this, they will end up like half of the delusional men on this board who believe that he has some sort of social responsibility towards them...

The touble is, Suspense, it's very easy for the corporate paedophiles to make an idol of a star in any arena; it's much harder for the parents to induce the child to temper admiration with scepticism. And you don't want to rake up a heap of muck before you need to.

Just imagine Kirby at the Lexus Centre when little Algernon has just taken possession of his new Pies drink bottle and lunch box.

"Yes, enjoy those Algy, but do remember that the players are imperfect human beings, and some are likely to act in a fashion tending to bring the profession and the club into disrepute. So don't, despite your youth and innocence, make an idol of any of them. Keep a judicious distance and you'll never be disappointed."

Where oh where did you go wrong, Kirby?

 

[Somebody]

Mr Suspense, does it ever get lonely up there on your pedestal?

I would say that compared to mindless little plebs like you, Suspense is genuinely on a pedestal.
And yes, it is unfortunate that there seem to be so few - perhaps there are more than we think and they're just afraid to speak out due to the oppressive politically correct climate. HOwever there are a lot more speaking up here on BF than I would have expected - it's actually very good to see. So it looks like no, it's not lonely because there are quite a few people who can still think for themselves.

PS I must admit I'm not really saying this to you, "Legend 13". That would be a total waste of time.

 

[Brad Goodman]

Where oh where did you go wrong, Kirby?

Well he named his son Algernon, for starters...

 

[shawthing09]

They earn their money playing football, not by acting as social ambassadors for the wider world. The money comes from sponsors who want to see their investment a success and their logo holding up the premiership cup on the last saturday in september. It also comes from members who want to see their football club win a premiership. It also comes from ticket sales, TV rights and other avenues, all which relate to the football side of the game. To achieve this success, keep the sponsors and members happy and win premierships, you need the best football players. Not the best social role models.

Bad press should be avoided and should any occurance arise it's impact should be minimised as much as possible. The club failed to do this and instead made a non-issue such as this into a massive media circus.

Your story is full of shit and I'm calling you on it.

You called me an idiot, I asked for you to explain why and you gave me some sort of misinformed tirade which I responded to and refuted as a problem relating to you as a parent and the unfair social burden people like you place upon football players.


That comment wasn't in response to your post. I can see how it's easy to get the issue confused when you can't even follow the discussion in a logical manner.


It's a whole compounding of factors. I'd go into it (and have before), but I don't think you'd keep up, to be honest...

In reference to the first paragraph, I do agree to a point, the fact is however the reason sponsors tip so much money into football, T.V rights are worth so much and all the rest is that the fan fare is over the top. If people weren't that passionate about their football it wouldn't be the case. It's not the best footballers who get the biggest sponsorships anyway it is often the most marketable a perfect example of this is Dale Thomas.

The AFL and to a lesser extent all the sponsors invovled also don't want the brand damaged by the fact that simple minded over fanatic fans are going to blow a fuse over all the off field issues, that is by no means the fault of Kirby or his 7 year old, it seems your drawing a link between a 7 y.o being disappointed about this issue and the over importance placed on football in general in Australia and that IMHO is a crazy bow to be drawing. As I said at 7 everything that affects you emotionally is huge as you simply don't have the tools to look at things in perspective.

 

[Suspense]

Its pretty obvious what's he saying, Suspense, and you know it.

Order a 7-year-old not to idolise his footy hero? IMPOSSIBLE

Teach, not order.

At the right age, teach them and help them understand what they should be idolising their role models for.

A pathetic little West Coast type snipe there Mr Suspense, and you have the audacity to have a go at others for sniping.
Idiot.

You sniped me first, I was just responding with some home truths...

The touble is, Suspense, it's very easy for the corporate paedophiles to make an idol of a star in any arena; it's much harder for the parents to induce the child to temper admiration with scepticism.

Child rearing wasn't meant to be easy...

"Yes, enjoy those Algy, but do remember that the players are imperfect human beings, and some are likely to act in a fashion tending to bring the profession and the club into disrepute. So don't, despite your youth and innocence, make an idol of any of them. Keep a judicious distance and you'll never be disappointed."

Extreme examples won't help prove your point. At seven years of age, incidents like this are irrelvant as the kid doesn't even understand the reasons behind such decisions. They don't understand why drink driving is wrong. They don't understand why Heath lied to his club. They don't understand why the media are making such a big issue of the story. And nor are the expected to.

I remember being around that age when Fat Cat and Friends was taken off the air. I was pretty cut up about it, but in no way did I understand the reasons for these decisions. Such social issues and political nonsense was far beyond me as a very young child.

Now where incidents like this become relevant is when a child is at an age when they do understand the issue of drink driving and when sports idols can make an impression upon them. It is at this age when you start to teach them about the importance of seperating sporting idols from real-life role models.

 

[morax]

The touble is, Suspense, it's very easy for the corporate paedophiles to make an idol of a star in any arena; it's much harder for the parents to induce the child to temper admiration with scepticism. And you don't want to rake up a heap of muck before you need to.

Just imagine Kirby at the Lexus Centre when little Algernon has just taken possession of his new Pies drink bottle and lunch box.

"Yes, enjoy those Algy, but do remember that the player
ng to bring the profession and the club into disrepute. So don't, despite your youth and innocence, make an idol of any of them. Keep a judicious distance and you'll never be disappointed."

Where oh where did you go wrong, Kirby?

From a parents point of view this is the harsh reality, even when you are aware of the dangers associated with your children idolizing elite sports people.

Its also upsetting to think that there is a large group of parents that don't give a damn who their kids use as role models or what they get up to.