Matt Rendell situation thread #3

[Freddy Bassett]

No.. only the ignorant & insensitive fail to see why he was wrong.

As soon as he started talking about "assimilation" he was treading on very thin ice. That's what his academies were all about - not providing educational opportunities, not improving the players' football, but assimilating the players into white society. Sure, education & footy skills would have followed, but the primary aim of his academies (as stated) was assimilation. That's racism pure & simple. His intentions were good, but the language he chose to express his idea was flat our racist, a result of ignorance and a lack of sensitivity.

Stating that his words were not racist does nothing but reveal your own ignorance and lack of sensitivity towards the history of the indigenous population of this country.

Funny you should say that....

Vader, Ignorance and insensitive are the two words that spring to my mind when thinking of your stance on this whole issue. I do agree with you however that his intentions were good but his idea and language he chose through ignorance was offensive. And yes, I also suffer through that same level of ignorance as I thought his idea was sensational.

For you to be the sole crusader waving the flag pro-sacking flag is up to you. To me it shows a lack of compassion and sensitivity on the issue. Rendell was thrown to the wolves, he should of been given counselling. The issue has been handled horribly by Trigg, but you seem to have plenty of compassion for Trigg's pathetic attempt of leadership with this issue. And I know you would downplay the poll which shows the level of support Rendell has. And fair enough with the piss poor poll option which I thought was a disgrace seeing it was a very serious issue to a lot of people. But I will tell you Vader, some of the people who voted are a lot brighter than you and I. In the last week I have had a Lawyer and several other people in influential jobs contact me offering their support if required to Matt. But you are entitled to your opinion and whilst we totally disgree on this issue, I think usually we are on the same side of most issues .

 

[Geoffa32]

Rucci just commented on 5AA that Rendell's proposed solution was "the most horrible thought you could have".

Bloody hell, dramatic much? That's a pretty outrageous statement.

I can see how it can be perceived this way. Taking kids out of their communities because they can play footy, even with the choice to do so.

BUT I don't see how it is different to the Private Schools doing the same and even the Boomerang program, which involves some Aboriginal ex players, which Rendell suggested to occur in his idea.

We really need Jason Misfud to educate us on what the difference is.



Did Rendell use the word "Assimilate"? If he did, and I missed it, then I can see the slur. But the reality is the kids that go to the Private Schools go through a form of assimilation. Afterall isn't that part of a Private School education, turning young boys into men who uphold the (Anglo) values the schools hold.

 

[ManInTheArena]

This situation only gets murky because of the number of people involved an their individual inappropriate actions. So what ends up occurring is "but he did such and such" and going around in circles, which makes no difference to the individual actions.

It takes absolutely nothing away from the facts of his sacking, that;

• Misfud was inappropriate in disclosing this information
• It was inappropriately released to the media
• Andrew Demetriou went on a witch hunt
• There are double standards in the AFL
• Rendell has been "serving" in AFL for 35 years
• Rendell is "gutted" and has a "5 pound ball in his guts"
• Trigg has failed at a number of other things

Rendell was loose lipped and unprofessional, and he had been addressed on several previous occasions regarding this. Subsequent to the club trying to address these issues with him, in February this year, he said a number of inappropriate remarks that are prima facie, racist. He then refused to back away from the comments, acknowledge that his behavior was wrong, or appropriately apologise.

Now, regardless of the surrounding circumstances, this isn't appropriate employee behavior and in my view warrants dismissal. He was a loose cannon who shot one too many cannon balls, with the last one being a doozie.

 

[FR0GGY]

We really need Jason Misfud to educate us on what the difference is.

We haven't got 6 weeks to wait.

 

[Truck Rutten]

I tuned into 5AA for the first time in a long time - mainly to hear what people had to say about Rendell and Stynes.

The first five minutes:

"People are making out that Jason Mifsud is some kind of perpetrator ..."

"Adelaide people are only standing by Rendell because he's from Adelaide - no-one from anywhere in the country is on his side ..."

"There's a mistaken belief that if you go against the AFL then they'll come down on you ... "

Switched it off right there. It's worse than Soviet Russia.

I think all those quotes were from Rucci.....and he's still talking as though this was a verified, existing policy of Rendells. The guy is a bottom feeder of the highest order.

 

[Freddy Bassett]

Freddy - I know you have said that Rendell is a family friend. Is there a way we can get in contact with him (obviously just email or twitter or something, not a phone number or anything invasive like that) to offer support?

Regardless of what was said or done, the man has gone through an extremely difficult week, and as someone who has gained so much enjoyment from his time at my club, I wish there was a way I could send a short message to say thanks for all his efforts, I hate how it's ended, and if events ever allow him to come back that he'd be warmly welcomed.

Stab, please dont take this the wrong way... Rendell thinks we are nerdy football freaks. That is the way he looks at me. On Monday after his interview I did send my sister a text to that she forwarded to him urging him to get on Bigfooty to see the level of support he was receiving. It is my understanding he did.
Everytime I see him, he is gobsmacked by my level of knowledge... Most of which is learnt from Bigfooty. Other people will walk away from us not knowing what the hell we are going on about and sometimes 5 in the morning we are still talking football. He is also a footy Nerd. The only difference is he was getting paid for it.

 

[Freddy Bassett]

I can see how it can be perceived this way. Taking kids out of their communities because they can play footy, even with the choice to do so.

BUT I don't see how it is different to the Private Schools doing the same and even the Boomerang program, which involves some Aboriginal ex players, which Rendell suggested to occur in his idea.

We really need Jason Misfud to educate us on what the difference is.



Did Rendell use the word "Assimilate"? If he did, and I missed it, then I can see the slur. But the reality is the kids that go to the Private Schools go through a form of assimilation. Afterall isn't that part of a Private School education, turning young boys into men who uphold the (Anglo) values the schools hold.

I work with an Indian man with two black parents... He is keen for free scholarships to Scocth College for his children..

 

[jenny61_99]

I wonder if Matt would have reworded his proposal if Jason had told him at the time that the language, the premise, was offensive? This could all have been avoided if mifsud had have manned up from the get go, told his 'mate' that this is where the problem lies and let's move forward from this point with that in mind.

 

[Geoffa32]

I work with an Indian man with two black parents... He is keen for free scholarships to Scocth College for his children..

And I notice a few Sudanese kids that attend CBC, are they being "assimilated"?


Really don't see much difference in these scholarships and Rendell's idea. He did mention education.

 

[jenny61_99]

The difference is, geoffa, we are talking about this country's indigenous children - whom we have a fairly poor record of handling, whether it be through ignorant philosophies (we know what's best) or a failure to understand things that are culturally significant. We unfortunately tend to believe that our good intentions should be seen as such, failing to understand and then feeling miffed when they aren't well received.

Anyone can apply for scholarships to private schools. Generally though (as I've just been through this with my son) the child will need to excel either academically, sporting or musically - often all 3. The scholarship tests are difficult and involve a full morning of testing. Even if you are applying for a sport scholarship, you are expected to complete these tests - all done by independent organizations. Some in here are making it sound like its easy enough to get one - it's not.

 

[Syd Crow]

Rucci just commented on 5AA that Rendell's proposed solution was "the most horrible thought you could have".

Bloody hell, dramatic much? That's a pretty outrageous statement.

Wonders if the "Reece family" emailed 5AA about that..........


the most horrible thought I could have would be being stuck on desert island with Rucci..........

 

[Freddy Bassett]

In my experience it is not as delicate as some seem to make it out to be.
Really, as long as you are respectful and do not try and shove your opinions down their throats, you can really discuss any issue with people from any race or religion. If you are ignorant and realise that you are, I find people are usually very happy to enlighten and educate you!

Once again, great post...

 

[Freddy Bassett]

The difference is, geoffa, we are talking about this country's indigenous children - whom we have a fairly poor record of handling, whether it be through ignorant philosophies (we know what's best) or a failure to understand things that are culturally significant. We unfortunately tend to believe that our good intentions should be seen as such, failing to understand and then feeling miffed when they aren't well received.

Anyone can apply for scholarships to private schools. Generally though (as I've just been through this with my son) the child will need to excel either academically, sporting or musically - often all 3. The scholarship tests are difficult and involve a full morning of testing. Even if you are applying for a sport scholarship, you are expected to complete these tests - all done by independent organizations. Some in here are making it sound like its easy enough to get one - it's not.

Would our country's Indigenous people cry foul if their children were not offerend scholarships to Private Schools?

Think about it!

A report showing 2500 Sudanese children attending top Australian colleges on scholarships and only 250 Indigenous.. There would be bloody hell to pay

 

[ManInTheArena]

the most horrible thought I could have would be being stuck on desert island with Rucci..........

Have you considered that you would be able to beat him up every day and get away with it?

 

[Syd Crow]

Now, regardless of the surrounding circumstances, this isn't appropriate employee behavior and in my view warrants dismissal. He was a loose cannon who shot one too many cannon balls, with the last one being a doozie.

Your assuming he has been given official warnings about past behaviour which has been deemed significant enough to require an official warning.

For me its the lack of transparent due process here which has me fired up. Sure they can keep things behind closed doors........but they have chosen what to put in the public arena and what not to.

Whichever way you look at it this whole affair has been handled poorly by both the AFL and the AFC. You could argue that the AFC was forced into a corner - but the handling of the Bernie Vince thing the week before was poor also.

 

[Syd Crow]

Have you considered that you would be able to beat him up every day and get away with it?

yes but after 10 years would get boring

 

[Syd Crow]

yes but after 10 years would get boring

Seriously when I was living in Sydney and saw articles written by Rucci in the Advertiser on line I thought "who is this jerk and how in hell does he get to write on footy in a newspaper".

But now it is obvious he is deliberately provocative and if he hasn't got a story to print he creates one - like his Reece Family email.

 

[jenny61_99]

Would our country's Indigenous people cry foul if their children were not offerend scholarships to Private Schools?

Think about it!

A report showing 2500 Sudanese children attending top Australian colleges on scholarships and only 250 Indigenous.. There would be bloody hell to pay

Are ther 2500 Sudanese children attending Australian colleges on scholarships?

 

[macca23]

I wonder if Matt would have reworded his proposal if Jason had told him at the time that the language, the premise, was offensive? This could all have been avoided if mifsud had have manned up from the get go, told his 'mate' that this is where the problem lies and let's move forward from this point with that in mind.

Mifsud is the major problem in this situation, not Rendell.

We weren't present at their conversation, so we do not know exactly what Rendell said it or how he said it. The one thing everybody knows that Rendell is not a racist at heart, and his record proves that.

However, let's assume that Rendell's comments, which undoubtedly were well meant, were offensive to Mifsud and the leader of the 40 thieves Ali Baba or whatever his name was.

That should have been sorted out on the spot between Mifsud and Rendell on the spot as they were mates from a long time back. Surely everybody has a friend that has said to them that they were hurt or offended by remarks that you have made, to which you apologize and sort it out.

Take it one step further. Let's presume that happened and Rendell wouldn't apologize. The common sense thing would have been for Rendell's comments to be reported immediately to Mifsud's superiors who would have immediately initiated a process of conciliation and counselling. That would have been done in private as it should have been and we would never have even been talking about it.

Then on top of that, Mifsud waits 5 to 6 weeks and then releases an excerpt of the conversation to the press instead of going through what should have been the correct processes. However he doesn't release all the details or the context in which the offensive remarks were made and still hasn't.

Rendell is hung out to dry and Demetriou still maintains a cloak of secrecy with Mifsud not talking to the press.

When he finally does, he goes on an indigenous based TV program with an essentally indigenous based audience and reads a prepared statement which is rich in accusation and short on detail to which his brothers who know diddly squat as to what was actually said then condemn Rendell as a racist.

What a nice little piece of racism is wrapped up in that whole process!!

Matthew Rendell has loose lips but what shits me off to tears is that he has been denied natural justice that every person irrespective of race, colour or creed should receive.

In reverse Mifsud ponces around, seemingly getting more hurt for every minute he is in the public eye.

This whole thing has made me realise that PC in this country has gone berserk and knows no commonsense. Everybody is shit scared to say what they think for being branded a racist and the Rendell thing only goes to show that they were correct in thinking that.

As for Mifsud, I'll say no more on my thoughts on him and his character as IMO it speaks for itself.

The whole thing is a fiasco and sadly leaves a good man jobless and emotionally destroyed.

IMO it can never be corrected for Rendell to have been given a fair go, which I always thought was the Australian way. Obviously I was wrong.

End of subject for me.

 

[Syd Crow]

Everybody is shit scared to say what they think for being branded a racist and the Rendell thing only goes to show that they were correct in thinking that.

The "racist/racism" card is a guaranteed discussion stopper that is played all the time. Its used all the time to justify either action or inaction.

 

[JP Sauce]

Mifsud is the major problem in this situation, not Rendell.

We weren't present at their conversation, so we do not know exactly what Rendell said it or how he said it. The one thing everybody knows that Rendell is not a racist at heart, and his record proves that.

However, let's assume that Rendell's comments, which undoubtedly were well meant, were offensive to Mifsud and the leader of the 40 thieves Ali Baba or whatever his name was.

That should have been sorted out on the spot between Mifsud and Rendell on the spot as they were mates from a long time back. Surely everybody has a friend that has said to them that they were hurt or offended by remarks that you have made, to which you apologize and sort it out.

Take it one step further. Let's presume that happened and Rendell wouldn't apologize. The common sense thing would have been for Rendell's comments to be reported immediately to Mifsud's superiors who would have immediately initiated a process of conciliation and counselling. That would have been done in private as it should have been and we would never have even been talking about it.

Then on top of that, Mifsud waits 5 to 6 weeks and then releases an excerpt of the conversation to the press instead of going through what should have been the correct processes. However he doesn't release all the details or the context in which the offensive remarks were made and still hasn't.

Rendell is hung out to dry and Demetriou still maintains a cloak of secrecy with Mifsud not talking to the press.

When he finally does, he goes on an indigenous based TV program with an essentally indigenous based audience and reads a prepared statement which is rich in accusation and short on detail to which his brothers who know diddly squat as to what was actually said then condemn Rendell as a racist.

What a nice little piece of racism is wrapped up in that whole process!!

Matthew Rendell has loose lips but what shits me off to tears is that he has been denied natural justice that every person irrespective of race, colour or creed should receive.

In reverse Mifsud ponces around, seemingly getting more hurt for every minute he is in the public eye.

This whole thing has made me realise that PC in this country has gone berserk and knows no commonsense. Everybody is shit scared to say what they think for being branded a racist and the Rendell thing only goes to show that they were correct in thinking that.

As for Mifsud, I'll say no more on my thoughts on him and his character as IMO it speaks for itself.

The whole thing is a fiasco and sadly leaves a good man jobless and emotionally destroyed.

IMO it can never be corrected for Rendell to have been given a fair go, which I always thought was the Australian way. Obviously I was wrong.

End of subject for me.

Top post.

 

[Freddy Bassett]

Are ther 2500 Sudanese children attending Australian colleges on scholarships?

No idea. It was hypothetical... There would be an uproar.

 

[jenny61_99]

Your point being though?

 

[ManInTheArena]

Your assuming he has been given official warnings about past behaviour which has been deemed significant enough to require an official warning.

I think he has been given warnings due to his own previous unrelated comments, and Trigg's recent comments eluding to it, but regardless neither of us can testify to it or deny it.

For me its the lack of transparent due process here which has me fired up. Sure they can keep things behind closed doors........but they have chosen what to put in the public arena and what not to.

It's completely inappropriate to drag out all of Rendell's misgivings into the public arena, nor would he appreciate it. To that end it's a bit hard to "show everyone" that due process was followed.

Whichever way you look at it this whole affair has been handled poorly by both the AFL and the AFC. You could argue that the AFC was forced into a corner - but the handling of the Bernie Vince thing the week before was poor also.

If Rendell had been spoken to on a number of occasions regarding his lack of restraint (which he has - we just don't know if it was an official reprimand), then I think the AFC have handled this situation appropriately. Having said that, and as someone who is qualified to criticise Trigg, I'm not suggesting that he has handled a number of recent issues appropriately.

 

[SydCrow]

Good article today in the Sydney Morning Herald by Richard Hinds (chief sports writer)

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/demetrious-stain-removal-just-wont-wash-20120323-1vpdi.html

the manner of Rendell's removal - a newspaper report about the conversation, followed by his dismissal the next day - seemed so clearly orchestrated that Rendell was, in some minds, martyred to protect the AFL brand, rather than shamed.