Matt Rendell situation thread #3

[caramello]

I know I am not an Adelaide supporter (so you can ignore me if you like), but I have been following all of this and reading all the articles I can find on the subject.

I have just read an article by Caroline Wilson and in it she asks the following question, If it is true that Adelaide already harboured misgivings about its recruiter and his unacceptable views, then it deserves more scrutiny given that it only recently re-signed him for three years. At the very least the club should have worked to educate him. Hopefully Rendell has learned now, but he has learned the hard way

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-ne...sud-rendell-20120323-1vpll.html#ixzz1pzeFpr8g

 

[SydCrow]

I know I am not an Adelaide supporter (so you can ignore me if you like), but I have been following all of this and reading all the articles I can find on the subject.

I have just read an article by Caroline Wilson and in it she asks the following question, If it is true that Adelaide already harboured misgivings about its recruiter and his unacceptable views, then it deserves more scrutiny given that it only recently re-signed him for three years. At the very least the club should have worked to educate him. Hopefully Rendell has learned now, but he has learned the hard way

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-ne...sud-rendell-20120323-1vpll.html#ixzz1pzeFpr8g

Caro really should be embarrassed by her contribution to this whole saga. "Unacceptable views"? Wouldn't be trying to justify your over-reaction would you?

Speaking of deserving some scrutiny, how about Ali Fahour's employment, hmmm?

 

[Syd Crow]

It's completely inappropriate to drag out all of Rendell's misgivings into the public arena, nor would he appreciate it.

I am sure he did not appreciate the "misgivings" that were brought out into the public arena - and that is my point - the selectivity - and the affects the one they chose to highlight has had on the man, and the supporters.

They have handled it wrongly - if this was not true we would not be discussing this over a week later.

 

[Syd Crow]

The AFL might argue it can do both. However, 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.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/demetri...t-wont-wash-20120323-1vpdi.html#ixzz1pziybDgU

This is the point.

 

[ManInTheArena]

IIf it is true that Adelaide already harboured misgivings about its recruiter and his unacceptable views, then it deserves more scrutiny given that it only recently re-signed him for three years. At the very least the club should have worked to educate him. Hopefully Rendell has learned now, but he has learned the hard way

I think she has taken Trigg's comment out of context. Trigg, in an interview, eluded to the fact that Rendell has had previous misgivings. I believe he meant other issues relating to unrestrained talking, not issues related to racism.

 

[Syd Crow]

Caro really should be embarrassed by her contribution to this whole saga. "Unacceptable views"? Wouldn't be trying to justify your over-reaction would you?

Speaking of deserving some scrutiny, how about Ali Fahour's employment, hmmm?

Her pathetic interview on Monday lost me - and I used to listen to her.

Indeed - how the incestuous relationships between the AFL, NAB and Post Office is not examined more closely is beyond me.

 

[ManInTheArena]

I am sure he did not appreciate the "misgivings" that were brought out into the public arena - and that is my point - the selectivity - and the affects the one they chose to highlight has had on the man, and the supporters.

The AFC didn't bring it into the public arena. But considering it was in the public arena they needed to address it publicly. That doesn't mean they should drag everything else out about Rendell from behind closed doors so everyone can see that the sacking followed due process.

They have handled it wrongly - if this was not true we would not be discussing this over a week later.

As I stated earlier, this is simply because there has been a lot of inappropriate behavior from a number of different people and everyone is throwing it into the same washing machine and spinning it around. Each person's inappropriate behavior needs to be viewed in isolation. One inappropriate action doesn't detract from another as if it's some sort of tit for tat game.

 

[jenny61_99]

I think she has taken Trigg's comment out of context. Trigg, in an interview, eluded to the fact that Rendell has had previous misgivings. I believe he meant other issues relating to unrestrained talking, not issues related to racism.

Correct.

 

[TheTonic]

Nothing to see here people... please move along.

 

[Freddy Bassett]

Your point being though?

Are you serious?

 

[Syd Crow]

The AFC didn't bring it into the public arena. But considering it was in the public arena they needed to address it publicly. That doesn't mean they should drag everything else out about Rendell from behind closed doors so everyone can see that the sacking followed due process.

I never said the AFC brought it into the public arena nor that they should bring the other dirty laundry into such arena.

The due process I am speaking about is the AFL as much as anyone - one where they promote education etc. They forced the AFC into a corner and Trigg took the easiest path left to him after taking in all the facts. He was forced to distance himself so no "mud" would stick.

I still dont think this was necessarily the best way to handle it. Nothing said later about this can change that - because if you need to say it later to defend it - then it still proves my point!

i.e that it was not handled properly in the first place. I am sure this was brought about by the timing - but who set up the timing - the AFL!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Syd Crow]

Nothing to see here people... please move along.

Are you serious?

 

[SydCrow]

Nothing to see here people... please move along.

copyright AFL Media

 

[Docker Clint]

I know I am not an Adelaide supporter (so you can ignore me if you like), but I have been following all of this and reading all the articles I can find on the subject.

I have just read an article by Caroline Wilson and in it she asks the following question, If it is true that Adelaide already harboured misgivings about its recruiter and his unacceptable views, then it deserves more scrutiny given that it only recently re-signed him for three years. At the very least the club should have worked to educate him. Hopefully Rendell has learned now, but he has learned the hard way

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-ne...sud-rendell-20120323-1vpll.html#ixzz1pzeFpr8g

Learned what Caro? Just to smile and nod and offer nothing but fluff and toe the party line when there's a problem?

The AFL isn't the only place where this happens. It's a lesson to all of us that if you identify a problem, just keep your head down. The boss may not want to deal with it correctly and you could find yourself out on your arse for doing what you think is right.

After listening to Misfud's interview, I really feel for Rendell. How the hell can you converse with someone (let alone have things end well) who gives off the impression that he wouldn't know what hyperbole is even if you handed him a dictionary open to the correct page.

 

[Syd Crow]

The Government way of handling things is to hire 2 consultants to review then hire another consultant to review the work of the 2 consultants and then you may be able to make a decision based on this which cant bite you in tail - that is if you decide to take any action at all!


Oh and I know this cos I was one of the consultants!

 

[Vader]

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.

Well, at least we're reading off the same page to this point.

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 .

I'm not flag waving pro-sacking as you indicate.

I don't think Trigg had any choice but to sack Rendell (or ask for his resignation), because I think he was backed into a corner. By the time it landed on Trigg's desk the final result was already a fait accompli, with Vlad having already called for Rendell's sacking (albeit without naming him specifically). I think the fact that Trigg was placed in this position by Mifsud & Vlad is absolutely disgraceful.

I think that things could & should have been handled much differently by the idiots at AFL House - and Rendell would still be an employee of the AFC if they had chosen to do so. He'd be re-neducated, but he'd still be employed.

So.. he's guilty of making racially offensive statements, through ignorance and lack of cultural sensitivity. The idiots at AFL House, primarily Mifsud & Vlad, have mishandled this disastrously, resulting in Trigg having no choice but to terminate Rendell's employment.

Is there anything in that which you disagree with?

 

[Syd Crow]

"I was a part of the set-up by the look of it ... as it turned out, I think things were well in train by then," Balme reflected yesterday.http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/geelong-football-manager-neil-balme-says-matt-rendell-was-assassinated/story-e6freck3-1226308592054

 

[Freddy Bassett]

Well, at least we're reading off the same page to this point.

I'm not flag waving pro-sacking as you indicate.

I don't think Trigg had any choice but to sack Rendell (or ask for his resignation), because I think he was backed into a corner. By the time it landed on Trigg's desk the final result was already a fait accompli, with Vlad having already called for Rendell's sacking (albeit without naming him specifically). I think the fact that Trigg was placed in this position by Mifsud & Vlad is absolutely disgraceful.

I think that things could & should have been handled much differently by the idiots at AFL House - and Rendell would still be an employee of the AFC if they had chosen to do so. He'd be re-neducated, but he'd still be employed.

So.. he's guilty of making racially offensive statements, through ignorance and lack of cultural sensitivity. The idiots at AFL House, primarily Mifsud & Vlad, have mishandled this disastrously, resulting in Trigg having no choice but to terminate Rendell's employment.

Is there anything in that which you disagree with?

Well we are almost on the same page, except for Trigg

On the friday when Trigg made the decision 95% of people were against Rendell. Friday was the day Trigg rushed to the decision. A proper enquiry should of been held. Trigg jumped the gun. By monday night, 95% of people realised what a mistake was made...

Demetriou insists he only said 'deal with it' to Trigg. Trigg insists he was not told to fire Rendell ,it was his decision. I believe them both. I also believe that both of them now wish it was handled differently. Most people, including yourself believe it could of been handled better. Trigg is paid to make decisions. He made a bad one.

I guarantee you Rendell will be back in the system at another club. We will be without his recruiting. We lose. Yes, he had a big mouth and the club must cringe everytime he was interviewed but he should not of been fired... And remember, Trigg and the AFC resigned Rendell for 3 years. They were fully aware of his big mouth then.

And regarding the racist comments you speak of, how many people on here weren't also ignorant of how easily offended the Aboriginals were regarding offering free scholarships? I think 1500 posts were made before anyone started talking about the stolen generation link, including yourself and Jenny. So you were also ignorant as he was. We have all learnt a lot in the last week about this issue. And yet Rendell, as ignorant as the rest of us, is the one who is publicly humiliated...

 

[jenny61_99]

I think it took so long to make the connection, Freddy because we were all processing what the hell happened and seeing, once we knew the context, how misfit and alibooboo were so offended. When vader raised the stolen generation and some were quick to slam it, I thought ' no he could well be onto something'. I still think it is a valid argument as to why they might be so aggrieved.

Edit. I still think mofo and boohoo are at fault here, not Matt.

 

[Freddy Bassett]

I think it took so long to make the connection, Freddy because we were all processing what the hell happened and seeing, once we knew the context, how misfit and alibooboo were so offended. When vader raised the stolen generation and some were quick to slam it, I thought ' no he could well be onto something'. I still think it is a valid argument as to why they might be so aggrieved.

No doubt. And Vader was on the money, as you were for defending him. But, it was 1500 odd posts before probably 150 people who posted realised the mistake that had been made by Rendell. My point is Rendell was not alone in his ignorance. He honestly was trying to help and his ignorance was one shared by most of us..

 

[bjn1960]

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 .

Nicely expressed and it is gladdening to me, to hear that he has this influential support at his side.

 

[ManInTheArena]

I never said the AFC brought it into the public arena nor that they should bring the other dirty laundry into such arena.

The due process I am speaking about is the AFL as much as anyone - one where they promote education etc. They forced the AFC into a corner and Trigg took the easiest path left to him after taking in all the facts. He was forced to distance himself so no "mud" would stick.

I still dont think this was necessarily the best way to handle it. Nothing said later about this can change that - because if you need to say it later to defend it - then it still proves my point!

i.e that it was not handled properly in the first place. I am sure this was brought about by the timing - but who set up the timing - the AFL!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm only talking about the AFC, like I said there has been a lot of inappropriate behavior, including the AFL. However, I don't think the AFC have done anything wrong when looking at Rendell's dismissal in isolation from the "noise" surrounding it.

 

[bjn1960]

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.

You forgot to mention the need to bring back the guillotine and please, please assure us that the blade has the keenest of edges, because we all desire a deft and clean cut - no blood mind you!

 

[Bone71]

I'm only talking about the AFC, like I said there has been a lot of inappropriate behavior, including the AFL. However, I don't think the AFC have done anything wrong when looking at Rendell's dismissal in isolation from the "noise" surrounding it.

I do. The guy should have been told he was going to a mediation session with Mifsud and that he needed to be educated on why his opinion was offensive!

Trigg and Mifsud have both said that Rendell is not racist, Rendell's recruiting shows he is not racist but he essentially has been labelled one by the clubs choice not to stand by him.

Whilst I agree the AFL is mostly at fault here I believe the AFC has shown itself to be extremely weak and unwilling to stand by its employee in a hard situation.

 

[jenny61_99]

No doubt. And Vader was on the money, as you were for defending him. But, it was 1500 odd posts before probably 150 people who posted realised the mistake that had been made by Rendell. My point is Rendell was not alone in his ignorance. He honestly was trying to help and his ignorance was one shared by most of us..

No argument from me on this point. Which all comes back to that meeting and how an apparent mate can be so offended but not say anything until 6 weeks later. And then when he does say something, he decided to do it publicly rather than approach his mate and say, hey what you said offended me and this is why.