The Falcon Strike
Hall of Famer
For those curious as to how and why Essendon are able to negotiate their penalty... let me spell it out a little.
Why the negotiation then? That's a simple one. Because Essendon have not been proven guilty to date the AFL have only been able to accuse them of bringing the game in to disrepute. The penalty for that? Apparently draft picks, Presidents head, Chairmans head, Coaches head and this years points thus eliminating Essendon from finals. What? For what? For Essendon being dragged through the media all year? Adelaide got less for proven cheating. Carlton got less for proven cheating.
Hang on - Adelaide negotiated a penalty as well. I take it from that Essendon will be proven cheats if you negotiate a penalty.
The negotiation is a farce.
I'm happy if the AFL say
"On evidence we think you are guilty, we are prepared to penalise you X if you plead guilty for the following charge"
"If however you remain steadfast as to not plead guilty, you then proceed with a hearing and should you be found guilty the penalty is now Y"
This is what should happen. There should be no negotiation.
I'm happy with a reduced penalty for a plea of guilty, that is a fairly standard legal norm.