James Hird returning to the AFL

[armpit]

Surely James Hird has the right to provide for his family and make the most of his life with what talents he has, doesn't he? Trials by public opinion, whether through social media or otherwise, tend to remove any acknowledgement that their targets have the ability to redeem themselves for their wrongdoing (real or perceived) and no amount of contrition has ever seemed enough to sate the masses seeking to prove their own virtue by outrage.

No moving from abstract considerations of morality, the redemptive process and mob/victor's justice to a purely football perspective, Hird did the wrong thing. He may have even been obstructive. A penalty was prescribed, and he also seems to have abided by it, though due to the nature of the particular wrongdoing he was a party to, I don't think it appropriate for him to assume any official position within the AFL organisation or as a coach at AFL level (a role such as that reportedly offered by Fremantle wouldn't require him to be involved in coaching, and would be an excellent use of his talents). However, for all his failings as a coach his successes as a player were spectacular, and combined with his general articulateness would make him an insightful and thought-provoking commentator.

Now that may have sounded too balanced. If there's any doubts about my personal views, look at my avatar and feel free to post a jibe at Essendon for the PEDs saga for an easy like 🖒

This seems like a very fair and reasoned response, except for the fact that you have devoted glowing paragraphs in praise of Hird and yet you have put what he did under the two words, ped saga, hardly worth your mention. Where's the balance in that?

 

[Fat Nyfe]

Nothing like a Hird thread to get Bigfooty in hysterics.

‘Boycotting MMM forever!’

Please.

If Bigfooty was your only source of media, you’d assume he’s committed the most heinous crimes known to man and has escaped a life imprisonment given the way he’s spoken about on here. And people can’t see the irony in accusing him of lacking empathy, lol.

 

[Boxhead_31]

Let the man make a living. One could think we still burn witches reading social media.

Why isn't he using the skills he learnt during his "punishment year" to earn a living?

 

[Makka]

There are many our here who would be happy to do that. All we've wanted to hear is some sort of remorse from Hird for his part in the drug saga, but as of yet we've heard nothing. Until that happens, he can get stuffed.

That's it right there!

 

[legend166]

I don't think Hird did much wrong to begin with. I don't even think what was injected was illegal (yet). The problem was people heard "injections" and they think steroids or something really bad and someone had to be sacrificed for this.

Was what he and Essendon did flying close to the sun? Yes. But that doesn't make it against the rules.

Yo that's some impressive revisionist history. I think you'll find Essendon players were suspended for injecting drugs that were, in fact, very much against the rules.

Like, you think the Court of Arbitration for Sport was just like "Oh man, I know you guys didn't actually break the rules but the public heard 'injection' so our hands are tied."

The dumb thing about Hird is if he had just done a mea culpa from the start and took his lumps he would have probably been coaching the last 3-4 years. He handled it about as poorly as possible which should probably tell you everything you need to know about his involvement.

 

[hansie]

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[hansie]

Let the man make a living. One could think we still burn witches reading social media.

The witches can stay. Hirdy on the other hand...


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[Donakebab]

Oh great, so they bring back a person who lies, who poisened players, who is deceitful, who brought the club to it's knees and the game into repute.

Fox Footy has the moral compass of Little-finger.

That's nice and all, but not sure what it has to do with Triple M.

 

[boncer34]

I wish this campaigner would just disappear forever away from footy.


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He keeps getting asked back.

 

[FootyGeek]

This will end well.

 

[HahnPremium]

The dumb thing about Hird is if he had just done a mea culpa from the start and took his lumps he would have probably been coaching the last 3-4 years. He handled it about as poorly as possible which should probably tell you everything you need to know about his involvement.

That and the absolute lack of clarity and responsibility in not even being willing to shoulder and accept any of the blame. A deeply flawed individual.

 

[captain blood 17]

He keeps getting asked back.

I understand that, the AFL is just a big gig for the boys club. It makes me sick.


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[Hawk_francais]

This doesn't say anything new about James Hird. We know he thinks he's a scapegoat who didn't do anything wrong.

This doesn't say anything new about the football media. If you will hire Wayne Carey then there really isn't much lower to go.

 

[david addison]

Entitlement: the belief that one is inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment.

Is he commentating the Pies Tigers game?

'The Pies were a bit lacklustre in that first half. They could use a jab right now, and at three quarter time.'

'Castagna definitely has an AOD9604 look about him tonight.'

'Mason Cox has been off site tonight, I mean out of sight.'

'Treloar's been fantastic tonight. Definitely hexarelin.'

'There's the Riewoldt clan in the grandstand enjoying the game. And there's the little baby. I believe the conception was sans melanotan.'

'Peptides! Sorry, it's the tourettes. Thymosin! Uniquinon! Cerebrolysin! Oh shit, cut to commercial!'

'The tigers were abysmal tonight, but instead of identifying the culprits, let's just put it down to poor governance.'

'Rance would have been handy. If I were him I'd take the AFL to court.'

'I've brought a special guest with me tonight if you don't mind. Steven step into the box. Steven Dank everybody. Steven what do you think of the game thus far.' 'I'm sorry I can't answer that question without my lawyer present.' 'Thanks for that incite Steven. And what about Brody Grundy? He played out of his skin tonight don't you think?' 'I'm sorry, once again I can't answer that without my lawyer.' 'How about that smooth transition across half back, Maynard to Howe to Langdon. Haven't seen a transition that smooth since Charter to Dank to Hird.' 'Shut the **** up James.' 'I'm gonna do it Steven. I'm gonna come clean right here, right now.' 'Don't do it James.' 'It was me. It was all me. My idea. I orchestrated it all. I'm a monster. I'm going to listen to my conscience and stay away from the game completely. That's why I'm hear tonight. To come clean. It was all my idea, and I'm sorry.' 'What did you think of the game tonight James?' 'The Game? Did you hear what I just said?' 'It's a bit late for forgiveness. What did you think of tonight's game?' Sounds of gunfire, and screaming from nearby spectators. Blood splatters over the MMM commentary box window.

 

[Duskfire]

I don’t listen to MMM so couldn’t care less but I find it baffling that this is seen as a good idea. He was one of the key figures in probably the biggest scandal in modern afl/vfl history. No supporter alive today will ever forget what happened.

But then again when you have the likes of Carey and Hall commentating then it’s not that surprising. They should ask Gary Ablett Senior to become a boundary rider next.

 

[DrEvil_]

Surely James Hird has the right to provide for his family and make the most of his life with what talents he has, doesn't he? Trials by public opinion, whether through social media or otherwise, tend to remove any acknowledgement that their targets have the ability to redeem themselves for their wrongdoing (real or perceived) and no amount of contrition has ever seemed enough to sate the masses seeking to prove their own virtue by outrage.

No moving from abstract considerations of morality, the redemptive process and mob/victor's justice to a purely football perspective, Hird did the wrong thing. He may have even been obstructive. A penalty was prescribed, and he also seems to have abided by it, though due to the nature of the particular wrongdoing he was a party to, I don't think it appropriate for him to assume any official position within the AFL organisation or as a coach at AFL level (a role such as that reportedly offered by Fremantle wouldn't require him to be involved in coaching, and would be an excellent use of his talents). However, for all his failings as a coach his successes as a player were spectacular, and combined with his general articulateness would make him an insightful and thought-provoking commentator.

Now that may have sounded too balanced. If there's any doubts about my personal views, look at my avatar and feel free to post a jibe at Essendon for the PEDs saga for an easy like 🖒

Not sure if you are talking Hirdy or Lindy Chamberlain
Trial by public opinion? That's because he is seeking a public media position, where public opinion is all that matters. Do you see people giving a shit about Hirdy when he was peddling Colombian chocolates? Do you also support Pell for governor general when he gets out of jail in six years? When you are busted as a kiddie fiddler, do you still get to pursue your career as a child advocate?

 

[MrWoollie]

Only the media... for now. The cynic in me has a horrible feeling this is to soften us up for him returning to a higher profile role.

Exactly my thoughts. Should have been banned from any role at any club at any level forever. And now I feel we are at most a season away from a return to a club role.

 

[FootyGeek]

He spent most of 2010 undermining Matthew Knights.

Looks like he wants to do the same to Worsfold in 2019.

It is not about money, he has as much as he needs every year for the rest of his life. It is about him.

 

[Jobe Watson]

It's hilarious that Hird can **** up so spectacularly and then just waltz his way back into a cushy six-figure job in the same industry. That's the aura of Jimmy... people just can't help but love him!

Look at this thread: a routine announcement of the hiring of a commentator for a radio station spawns a thread that reaches 5 pages in a day. Hirdy's fan club is out in force in here and it's great to see. Triple M thanks you for the free promotion.

Knock him down, but he'll come back and be a success. Hird just keeps on winning.

 

[tropicaltiger]

cant wait to see and hear him again, one of the best and smartest footballers l have seen in 50 years of watching footy.

 

[Fire]

He could have admitted wrongdoing whether through ill judgement or ignorance at the outset.

You're ruling out malice?

I still don't know why he's not sitting in jail, regardless of his intent. I guess none of his victims sought to press charges?

 

[Ando727]

I think he will inject a lot of insight with his commentary.

He's the shot in the arm Triple M needed.

 

[Jesse Custer]

These comments are awesome. Funny thing is these people have no say whatsoever in the real world. But I know big footy gives you guys the chance to feel important and have your voices heard. Keep up the fight!

 

[boncer34]

Hirds return has shown Smith and Warner that all can be forgiven.

 

[OniAu]

He's the shot in the arm Triple M needed.

Should really pep them up and turn the tides in the radio wars for best commmentary team

James is so humble though. He will deny he had any influence


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