Integrity of the AFL in question

[QuietB]

When i heard the news i thought that Eddie or Pert may have condoned its release. They are clearly frustrated that players arent heeding the message and may have thought scaring players this way could work knowing that there would be no strikes recorded.

Could also explain why players were so poor Saturday. They may think they are being hang out to dry by their own club.

Of course all the above is a theory and isnt based on any known fact.

It is possible - the information has not been leaked by accident.

The AFL are screwed either way on this one. Do something to try and fix the problem and they are getting smashed, do nothing and watch it spiral further out of control and they will be further smashed.

I suspect they learnt a lesson or two trying to cover up the Essendon thing which also backfired massively and the AFL might not have the appetite for cover ups anymore.

 

[TW Sherrin]

It was probably leaked by someone at the AFL who is sick of Collingwood's ongoing failure to systematically deal with issues relating to player behaviour and drug culture.

Anyone genuinely concerned with what happened at Collingwood last year would have unilaterally introduced year-round hair testing to stamp out this scourge, though I suspect the reason it hasn't happened is because it would end up costing the club a lot more personnel than just the two players currently on suspension and we can't have that because apparently the Pies are in a flag window and that equals memberships which equals money.

Edit: this doesn't just apply to Collingwood, by the way. There are other clubs who would prefer not to know what their players are doing and keep them on the list, rather than take strong action and risk suffering suspensions.

did you guess all this or do you have evidence? some of your comments like "unilaterally introduced year-round hair testing" are just ridiculous. you do realize the players have to agree.

I love all these preachers from the pulpit who believe what a bum journo has written cause it agrees with their prejudice. They are rumours until proven otherwise.

they are rumours like the 'Buddy has 2 strikes' type rumour.

 

[Timmy from Thomastown]

Collingwood's name was leaked by an individual inside the AFL with a gripe against Collingwood.

Now if you look at how Eddie throws his weight around and manipulates this league, it's not surprising that there are people who want to knock him down a little.

If Eddie would pull his head in and stop trying to destroy other clubs, I doubt these kind of leaks would happen.

SO you agree with the OP then? The AFL is a vindictive and petty bully and completely lacking in integrity and prepared to do what it takes to hurt those they dislike?

 

[kneecapper]

But it was not the illicit drug that got them suspended... Nor did they ever test positive to it.
There was also nothing about the way Collingwood aproached that situation that can be faulted. (except maybe being too supportive in keeping the guys on the rookie list and giving them a chance to restart their careers when the ban ends).

But you are making quite the stretch to somehow link that to the leaking of this information about just one club, and the media just targetting one club.

Okay, fine. I think welcoming them back with open arms at the moment they were suspended was a bad message and that decision should have been withheld and assessed at the conclusion of their suspensions. There has been a decade of substance abuse issues at the Pies beyond this problem that have resulted in either cover ups, failure to take action or little more than a slap on the wrist, that specific issue included. Do I need to to actaully list the long series of players who were caught drink driving or assaulting members of the public while intoxicated without any resulting in any sanction or suspension from your president?

 

[PieNSauce]

If it was a real union yes but it isn't. It's funded by the AFL and looks after the interests of the AFL (see Essendon saga as an example).

There is no real similarity between the way that illicit drugs and PED's are handled by the AFL. The AFL is compelled to act in accordance with WADA rules when it comes to PED's but any intervention on the basis of illicit drugs is purely at the discretion of the AFL. The reality just the same is that one way or anopther, the players will provide nothing voluntarily if they do not feel that the AFL has the integrity to protect sensitive information. In this situation as in others past, the AFL has shown a complete inability to handle matters of confidentiality.

 

[Tas]

Gilligan should find out who leaked the information or he should resign. If clubs and players have no confidence that anything confidential remains confidential then they do not have any confidence in the leadership of the AFL.

 

[PieNSauce]

Gilligan should find out who leaked the information or he should resign. If clubs and players have no confidence that anything confidential remains confidential then they do not have any confidence in the leadership of the AFL.

Thank you for bringing the thread back on topic. This is the crux of this discussion regardless of the associated issues. It is not a forum fo emotional and irrational Sydney supporters to voice their displeasure with their lack of COLA.

 

[Timmy from Thomastown]

Okay, fine. I think welcoming them back with open arms at the moment they were suspended was a bad message and that decision should have been withheld and assessed at the conclusion of their suspensions. There has been a decade of substance abuse issues at the Pies beyond this problem that have resulted in either cover ups, failure to take action or little more than a slap on the wrist, that specific issue included. Do I need to to actaully list the long series of players who were caught drink driving or assaulting members of the public while intoxicated without any resulting in any sanction or suspension from your president?

If not for the PED's laced in the party drugs they would have been on anonymous first strike. Pretty rough to sack some players for doing what they are supposed to get a strike for under the agreed process. Argue with the process if you like but the players were treated fairly.

 

[Bunk Moreland]

It’s priceless.

How would you like to be sitting in a confidential interview with lawyers present on both sides, where your entire reputation is being questioned, and told you must tell the truth no matter what.

Next day everything you said is reported by Caroline Wilson (not her problem – that’s her job and good on her for getting it).

What, because it’s Collingwood now, it’s all about the AFL’s integrity? Now the AFL are vindictive? Now the AFL are bullies?

How about this:

“Your club ****ed up, now STFU and cop it, stop shifting things”

“It’s a side issue you ****in koolaid drinker. Stick to the story”

Or, the favourite…

“MY GOD THE AFL ARE TRYING TO HELP YOU!!! How can you not see this?????”

Eddie can go **** himself. As can his friend “Sarah the distraught mother”.

 

[PicaBoo]

I thought the discussion is about the AFL and its integrity. Not yet another who did what to f* Eddie and/or Collingwood. ( Fitzpatrick is the latest rumour btw )
I am more interested in what the AFL is going to do about Slobbo . If the AFL is serious abouts integrity, its primary news partners should at least be basing their stories on facts and medical records are off limits.
Surely his reports are a case to look at his accreditation? He is welcome to write whatever he wants but he has shown a journalistic standard fit for Woman's Weekly, not as head of an AFL orientated news corp.( can't use the word respectable )

 

[Timmy from Thomastown]

I thought the discussion is about the AFL and its integrity. Not yet another who did what to f* Eddie and/or Collingwood. ( Fitzpatrick is the latest rumour btw )

Entirely believable

 

[replicant]

SO you agree with the OP then? The AFL is a vindictive and petty bully and completely lacking in integrity and prepared to do what it takes to hurt those they dislike?

Um, you know Sydney has just finished a two-year trading ban imposed for NOT BREAKING ANY RULES, right? The AFL even said it was for not breaking any rules and the only reason they ever gave was "you can't have everyone". So vindictive and petty bully? Yep. This is no news flash.

Funny how you guys only just noticed.

 

[Timmy from Thomastown]

Um, you know Sydney has just finished a two-year trading ban imposed for NOT BREAKING ANY RULES, right? The AFL even said it was for not breaking any rules and the only reason they ever gave was "you can't have everyone". So vindictive and petty bully? Yep. This is no news flash.

Funny how you guys only just noticed.

Yes that was probably the same bloke, Mike Fitzpartrick. It was a disgrace. Sydney took the piss out of the rules but they didnt break any....except the unwritten rule "though shall not make the AFL look like fools". I take it you also concur with the OP . And no, its not a new revelation, this is just the latest instalment.

FWIW I took exception to the comment by the previous poster that if Eddie wasnt Eddie doing his Eddie things then this woudl not have happened to us...ipso facto its Collingwoods fault for bringing on themselves by being Collingwood and having a loudmouth for a president

 

[PieNSauce]

It’s priceless.

How would you like to be sitting in a confidential interview with lawyers present on both sides, where your entire reputation is being questioned, and told you must tell the truth no matter what.

Next day everything you said is reported by Caroline Wilson (not her problem – that’s her job and good on her for getting it).

What, because it’s Collingwood now, it’s all about the AFL’s integrity? Now the AFL are vindictive? Now the AFL are bullies?

How about this:

“Your club stuffed up, now STFU and cop it, stop shifting things”

“It’s a side issue you ****in koolaid drinker. Stick to the story”

Or, the favourite…

“MY GOD THE AFL ARE TRYING TO HELP YOU!!! How can you not see this?????”

Eddie can go **** himself. As can his friend “Sarah the distraught mother”.

I'm really not sure I understand your point if it's directed at my OP or the point of the thread. How anyone could argue regardless that there is not a serious integrity issue here is beyond me. It seems pretty clear that where a confidentiality agreement has been broken there is a clear integrity problem don't you think> It's certainly not a Collingwood issue from my perspective even if the Collingwood angle does look very odd.

 

[Bunk Moreland]

I got an idea Robbo!!! I know you’re reading.

For your next trick, get hold of the names of the players who tested positive – it’s the AFL, that’ll take you about 5 minutes – then print em in tomorrows paper!

Pffft… they’re guaranteed – in writing – that their identity is completely comfidential unless and until they’re charged with something??

When the **** has that ever mattered??

 

[Tas]

Thank you for bringing the thread back on topic. This is the crux of this discussion regardless of the associated issues. It is not a forum fo emotional and irrational Sydney supporters to voice their displeasure with their lack of COLA.

The "integrity unit" can deploy a gestapo-like three month rectum investigation of clubs for things like was someone dazed concussed, but for actually serious integrity issues it seems they are left playing spider solitaire at AFL house.

The problem with the integrity unit is that it is an arm of the AFL leadership rather than an audit unit which is independent of the AFL which also has a mandate to investigate the AFL leadership over any issues club presidents bring to them about the AFL leadership.

The crux of the problem, imo, is that AFL house is infested with a collection of club nominated board members, many of whom have allegiances to various clubs who got them into that position. This form of cronyism means that anytime there are any petty gripes between clubs, vendettas or other personality clashes or club rivalries you are at risk of them leaking information to the media and use people like Slobbo and Caro as dupes, who will gladly print anything because they know they have access to the information but can also be manipulated by not providing all the facts or details.

The real victim in these games is the AFL brand and the reputation of players. When you call out a club and do not provide names of drug users, you are painting clean players as prospective drug users, someone innocent should not have their name tarnished.

 

[PieNSauce]

I thought the discussion is about the AFL and its integrity. Not yet another who did what to f* Eddie and/or Collingwood. ( Fitzpatrick is the latest rumour btw )
I am more interested in what the AFL is going to do about Slobbo . If the AFL is serious abouts integrity, its primary news partners should at least be basing their stories on facts and medical records are off limits.
Surely his reports are a case to look at his accreditation? He is welcome to write whatever he wants but he has shown a journalistic standard fit for Woman's Weekly, not as head of an AFL orientated news corp.( can't use the word respectable )

Whilst journalistic integrity is an issue, it is not the issue being discussed here. The fact that the issue was leaked to the media in any way shape or form is the issue and this can only have come from the AFL or as a result of its incompetence. That is the point of this thread. Can we please leave any talk of Slobbo or bullying or other unrelated issues out of it?

 

[Bunk Moreland]

I'm really not sure I understand your point if it's directed at my OP or the point of the thread. How anyone could argue regardless that there is not a serious integrity issue here is beyond me. It seems pretty clear that where a confidentiality agreement has been broken there is a clear integrity problem don't you think> It's certainly not a Collingwood issue from my perspective even if the Collingwood angle does look very odd.

It’s not directed at you specifically

Just, as I said, it’s priceless.

Nobody gives a **** unless it’s their club. In fact, they actively encourage it. And anybody who raises it gets shouted down. Fun isn’t it?

You probably expect it from supporters – ALL supporters – of EVERY club – we’re all the same.

Twats like Eddie, who masquerades as a “journalist” when it suits him and it doesn’t involve Collingwood?

He can go and **** himself with a goalpost.

 

[PicaBoo]

I got an idea Robbo!!! I know you’re reading.

For your next trick, get hold of the names of the players who tested positive – it’s the AFL, that’ll take you about 5 minutes – then print em in tomorrows paper!

Pffft… they’re guaranteed – in writing – that their identity is completely comfidential unless and until they’re charged with something??

When the **** has that ever mattered??

Why name a few players if you can make up numbers and name a club. Easier and no confidentiality breaches.

 

[PieNSauce]

The "integrity unit" can deploy a gestapo-like three month rectum investigation of clubs for things like was someone dazed concussed, but for actually serious integrity issues it seems they are left playing spider solitaire at AFL house.

The problem with the integrity unit is that it is an arm of the AFL leadership rather than an audit unit which is independent of the AFL which also has a mandate to investigate the AFL leadership over any issues club presidents bring to them about the AFL leadership.

The crux of the problem, imo, is that AFL house is infested with a collection of club nominated board members, many of whom have allegiances to varies clubs who got them into that position. This form of cronyism means that anytime there are any petty gripes between clubs, vendettas or other personality clashes or club rivalries you are at risk of them leaking information to the media and use people like Slobbo and Caro as dupes, who will gladly print anything because they know they have access to the information but can also be manipulated by not providing all the facts or details.

The real victim in these games is the AFL brand and the reputation of players. When you call out a club and do not provide names of drug users, you are painting clean players as prospective drug users, someone innocent should not have their name tarnished.

Precisely and nicely put. This is exactly the issue that so many seem to want to distort with talk of bulling or journos doing their job or other separate issues. It still irks me that Gillon has as yet said nothing on this matter as though he knows exactly what happened and has no intention to sanction the guilty party. Extraordinary!

 

[PieNSauce]

It’s not directed at you specifically

Just, as I said, it’s priceless.

Nobody gives a **** unless it’s their club. In fact, they actively encourage it. And anybody who raises it gets shouted down. Fun isn’t it?

You probably expect it from supporters – ALL supporters – of EVERY club – we’re all the same.

Twats like Eddie, who masquerades as a “journalist” when it suits him and it doesn’t involve Collingwood?

He can go and **** himself with a goalpost.

lol. I guess I should have expected such a childish response. The first post was a pretty good clue. How about go and play with the nuffies in the bay rather derail a perfectly rational conversation with your petty and emotional hatred.

 

[Brad Goodman]

I got an idea Robbo!!! I know you’re reading.

For your next trick, get hold of the names of the players who tested positive – it’s the AFL, that’ll take you about 5 minutes – then print em in tomorrows paper!

Pffft… they’re guaranteed – in writing – that their identity is completely comfidential unless and until they’re charged with something??

When the **** has that ever mattered??

Get over it.

 

[marty36]

Precisely and nicely put. This is exactly the issue that so many seem to want to distort with talk of bulling or journos doing their job or other separate issues. It still irks me that Gillon has as yet said nothing on this matter as though he knows exactly what happened and has no intention to sanction the guilty party. Extraordinary!

so whose integrity in question here, The AFL or the clubs or Collingwood themselves. No one knows who leaked this info to Robbo, do they?

 

[Underdog]

It’s priceless.

How would you like to be sitting in a confidential interview with lawyers present on both sides, where your entire reputation is being questioned, and told you must tell the truth no matter what.

Next day everything you said is reported by Caroline Wilson (not her problem – that’s her job and good on her for getting it).

What, because it’s Collingwood now, it’s all about the AFL’s integrity? Now the AFL are vindictive? Now the AFL are bullies?

How about this:

“Your club stuffed up, now STFU and cop it, stop shifting things”

“It’s a side issue you ****in koolaid drinker. Stick to the story”

Or, the favourite…

“MY GOD THE AFL ARE TRYING TO HELP YOU!!! How can you not see this?????”

Eddie can go **** himself. As can his friend “Sarah the distraught mother”.

I'd be more sympathetic were Essendon not waging a massive PR war full of spin and lies knowing the AFL were in no position to rebut the claims.

 

[PieNSauce]

so whose integrity in question here, The AFL or the clubs or Collingwood themselves. No one knows who leaked this info to Robbo, do they?

The custodian of the information is the AFL. Any rational thinking person would know that it was beyond ridiculous to suggest that a club official who has been outspoken about the lack of fairness of the system to the clubs in their efforts to assist players would feel that the way to deal with the matter is to throw the entire playing list under a bus in order to get the message across to a handful. Regardless of how the information found its way to the media, IMO the AFL is responsible and should be held accountable.