http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/134545/default.aspx
GARY Ablett should be sacked, or at the very least, suspended for half a season.
How dare he have an opinion. How dare he express it. How dare he be prepared to let the football world know he has a personality that proves him not to be a robot.
Hell, what's football coming to? A highly decorated player volunteering truthful thoughts. An intelligent 27-year-old offering insight into what an elite football mind thinks of a certain opponent.
Well, we can't have that now, can we?
Nup. We must have all players regurgitate the same boring, condescending, lip service and cliches.
Most reaction to Ablett's tweet of last Friday night has been oh so typical. Senior football officials have been critical, many have talked of the tweet creating "undue pressure" on his club and teammates.
Seriously, it is time everyone in football hardened up and realised that what is said in between matches has very, very little to do with what actually happens in them.
Ablett was in Melbourne, watching on TV the Fremantle-Carlton match when he tweeted this: "[Ryan] Crowley is a joke! Play the ball, not the man! That's why lingy (Cameron Ling) was such a great player he ran both ways! #givejuddafreekick."
Yes, there's history between Ablett and Crowley. But don't for a minute think Ablett tweeted on a whim. He is extremely media savvy, and knows the power of his own words.
He has become well aware of the might of Twitter, where 48,000 people choose to know his thoughts.
And, significantly when it comes to this topic, Ablett is a keen follower of sports, and sports stars, in the United States, where it is refreshingly accepted that athletes have both personalities and opinions, and are happy to publicly express both.
Perhaps we here in Australia don't want to fully travel down the path of the US's trash-talking superstars. But we should be open to venturing down that path to a certain juncture.
Virtually every hour of every day in the States, a sports star is expressing a view far stronger than that which Ablett offered last Friday. And everyone is adult enough to deal with it.
NFL wide receiver Chad Ochocinco, who has 3.4 million followers on Twitter, happily taunts opponents and even NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on a regular basis.
He once used Twitter to inform upcoming opponent Darrelle Revis, who gave himself the nickname Revis Island, that: "y'all better focus until I come to town, i will be taking over the big apple for a 3 hour period, 1-4, please don't try to cover me!" And: "I'm gonna burn you so bad you gone wish you played lacrosse!!!"
To another opponent, he tweeted: "bruh don't pull a Rex Ryan (New York Jets coach) and write a check yo cant cash, I will play defense this week just to hit you in yo mouth fool!!!!"
And to someone else: "dont give a flying **** about your lil slogan, bring the pain crap, GTFOH, you and anybody else got a problem see me Sunday." And: "STFU before i cave your face in with my fist boy, when I touch the field this Sunday its gone be a reality show, ultimate catches."
Once, when asked if his knee would be right for an upcoming match, Ochocinco, who changed his surname from Johnson to "eight five" in Spanish (which is the number he wears) said: "I had sex yesterday. With some of the moves I did, I should be fine."
Everyone in America is OK with that style of talk. There is no hysterical reaction, and no need for mopping up by club officials.
We here in AFL-land are unfortunately so far away from embracing anything of the type. And before you argue that that is a good thing, consider that such words are said nearly as regularly in AFL, only nearly always in private because of everyone being hellbent on putting image before reality.
Ablett's words the other night were too much for some people simply because they challenged a misplaced convention that no one in the AFL needlessly rocks the boat.
Ablett has led the way on the field for six seasons now. Here's hoping that after having the courage to tweet as he did last Friday, and then be prepared to stand by that tweet, that he chooses to lead off it as well.
Here's hoping that very soon he tweets or says something else which gets football people out of their pathetic little tell-'em-nothing comfort zones.
Ablett is our top man. We don't want him to get suspended for a half the year. I agree with you Damien Barrett?
Barrett is quickly becomimg the No1 candidate for TOOL of the WEEK!!! ;D
Obviously sarcasm is lost on you two.
I agree with the article. I can't believe the backlash Ablett copped over a little tweet. People are really too precious.
Quote from: BGK on May 01, 2012, 01:11:54 PM
Obviously sarcasm is lost on you two.
I agree with the article. I can't believe the backlash Ablett copped over a little tweet. People are really too precious.
Yes you got me. The sarcasm is there. Who gives a shower really? Except Cw lol.
Quote from: whatlez on May 01, 2012, 01:00:01 PM
Ablett is our top man. We don't want him to get suspended for a half the year. Who are you kidding Damien Barrett?
Why don't we like this article? Barrett is defending Ablett and saying he should be able to speak his mind. His suggestion of a half season suspension was sarcasm.
Quote from: esquire on May 01, 2012, 01:15:27 PM
Quote from: whatlez on May 01, 2012, 01:00:01 PM
Ablett is our top man. We don't want him to get suspended for a half the year. Who are you kidding Damien Barrett?
Why don't we like this article? Barrett is defending Ablett and saying he should be able to speak his mind. His suggestion of a half season suspension was sarcasm.
Yeah well I didn't read it properly lol. But yeah my bad. Edited lol.
Quote from: whatlez on May 01, 2012, 01:13:48 PM
Quote from: BGK on May 01, 2012, 01:11:54 PM
Obviously sarcasm is lost on you two.
I agree with the article. I can't believe the backlash Ablett copped over a little tweet. People are really too precious.
Yes you got me. The sarcasm is there. Who gives a shower really? Except Cw lol.
Yeah I'm not sure why CW thinks this makes Ablett look so bad.
God I read it wrong the first time. Ossie can you delete all comments and start again lol.
Quote from: whatlez on May 01, 2012, 01:18:18 PM
God I read it wrong the first time. Ossie can you delete all comments and start again lol.
Don't stress mate. Everyone makes mistakes.
I am all for Ablett (and co) having an opinion .... just don't agree with his comments at all as it was a little disrespectful of Crowley ... he could have made a statement about taggers and rule changes but took the easy (and non fineable) way out and attached Crowley specifically (hence some of the backlash was deserved).
He came across as a winger who can't accept that taggers are part of our game. What a sook ... :'(
As for DB ... good article even if it was a little over the top ... (the sarcasm was not lost on me). ;D
Unfortunately this is all too common and widespread in Australia.
Everything has to be squeaky clean and politically correct.
It's a load of shower and hopefully one day this country can get over it and embrace reality. Until then, expect more bullshower like this.
Quote from: whatlez on May 01, 2012, 01:18:18 PM
God I read it wrong the first time. Ossie can you delete all comments and start again lol.
haha, classic !
By the way, love the swan ended up as your DP.. hope he stinks it up BIG TIME!! 8)
Man what has footy come to he's done nothing wrong surely they are allowed to voice an opinion ???
We are a Nanny State, Its not just AFL related!
Chad is such a loose cannon, he was hilarious in that comedy sports show that used to be on One.
GAJ can say what he likes but the only words I really want to hear are "I will play this weekend".
Quote from: whatlez on May 01, 2012, 01:18:18 PM
God I read it wrong the first time. Ossie can you delete all comments and start again lol.
He he. Embarassing ;)
I Don't really care either way, lets get that straight before everyone quotes me as being anti Ablett. But what I did infer was that there would be backlash and that you can't go putting down other players without backlash.
Personnaly I don't rate an elite player, bagging a much lesser player who is forced to fulfil roles his team and coach ask of him. My analagy was of the big guy beating up on the little guy, now no one likes that do they?
You don't think Crowley and Raines don't wish they were better players and could be the high paid celebrity ball winners like Ablett Judd and Swan, you think they like being the despised taggers?
Just think Ablett should have targeted his obvious frustrations at the games law makers as what he wants is the rules changed so that he gets a free unimpeeded run at the ball every time and no one can be allowed to touch him or get in his way, let's be honest that's what he wants and HE IS NOT ALONE. All the ball winners want that, and while it will make for prettier football my concern is it will also make for softer football and what is next a ban on all bumping and sheppharding?
I'm just one oppinion, easy to say you don't agree and get behind Ablett but no need to quote me as taking one side or the other I'm just one of many thoughts on the matter.
What do they say...."opinions are like arseholes, everyone has one" :)
From a DT perspective, I'm all for GO ABLETT
From a social perspective, I'm a little anti -Ablett bagging the lesser player
From a game perspective, I'm all for Ablett and co getting to win the ball, but NOT at the cost of making the game any softer
maybe he thought that he would be playing this week and dropped a few hints to the umps to watch crowley. he would
have been tagging gaj this week, and gaj would have wanted a few free kicks to be paid against crowls for holding, etc
And heres another bad one.
Ablett ruled out this week: confirmed
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/134614/default.aspx
Quote from: Zombie2.5 on May 01, 2012, 04:34:10 PM
And heres another bad one.
Ablett ruled out this week: confirmed
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/134614/default.aspx
Could be 2 more they won't need him Vs GWS.
And again next week....
Quote from: Colliwobblers on May 01, 2012, 04:37:12 PM
Quote from: Zombie2.5 on May 01, 2012, 04:34:10 PM
And heres another bad one.
Ablett ruled out this week: confirmed
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/134614/default.aspx
Could be 2 more they won't need him Vs GWS.
Who are you kidding? If he doesn't play, we will lose and I will not support GC anymore.
Quote from: whatlez on May 01, 2012, 05:02:32 PM
Quote from: Colliwobblers on May 01, 2012, 04:37:12 PM
Quote from: Zombie2.5 on May 01, 2012, 04:34:10 PM
And heres another bad one.
Ablett ruled out this week: confirmed
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/134614/default.aspx
Could be 2 more they won't need him Vs GWS.
Who are you kidding? If he doesn't play, we will lose and I will not support GC anymore.
You gave North Melbourne a good run and how did they go against GWS again? You won't lose and last round was the teams best performance of the season so what are you worried about...
This week won't go well for you but round 7 better :) or you won't be the only one changing his colours maybe
Don't really mind.
JMac=90. 8)
Will really be interesting if he misses this week (confirmed apparently ... until he is named of course) ... and then again next week ... i think many people will start getting an itchy trade fingers ... :)
Quote from: Colliwobblers on May 01, 2012, 05:08:58 PM
Quote from: whatlez on May 01, 2012, 05:02:32 PM
Quote from: Colliwobblers on May 01, 2012, 04:37:12 PM
Quote from: Zombie2.5 on May 01, 2012, 04:34:10 PM
And heres another bad one.
Ablett ruled out this week: confirmed
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/134614/default.aspx
Could be 2 more they won't need him Vs GWS.
Who are you kidding? If he doesn't play, we will lose and I will not support GC anymore.
You gave North Melbourne a good run and how did they go against GWS again? You won't lose and last round was the teams best performance of the season so what are you worried about...
This week won't go well for you but round 7 better :) or you won't be the only one changing his colours maybe
Yeah well they better win...and Gary better play...
Of course he can have an opinion but calling another player a joke is a bit far, why not just leave out the is a joke bit and say
ryan crowley, play the ball not the man
on the other note CW are you forgetting which team Ablett plays for??? possibly the only team that can't afford to rest players against GWS, sure Gold Coast did well against North but GWS did well against WB
Gaz will play against GWS, he won't accept being 'rested'
Quote from: TheHanger on May 01, 2012, 05:23:34 PM
Of course he can have an opinion but calling another player a joke is a bit far, why not just leave out the is a joke bit and say
ryan crowley, play the ball not the man
on the other note CW are you forgetting which team Ablett plays for??? possibly the only team that can't afford to rest players against GWS, sure Gold Coast did well against North but GWS did well against WB
Gaz will play against GWS, he won't accept being 'rested'
+1 on he won't accept being rested, if the knee is ok he will play, he doesnt ever "rest"
On GCS they are still a long way further along than GWS. They have not put in 100% or anywhere near it yet this season, last week was probably 80% for 3/4 then blown away.
Even Melbourne were competative all of a sudden when they actually lifted thier effort. If GCS are on they will smash GWS by 50 points, if thier not on they should scrape home anyway.
Again, just one opinion, i think they are a better side even without Ablett than GWS.
When do you say it's time to trade GAJ?
As i resisted last round, I really don't want to trade him this round...
But if he doesn't play next? Should he be traded or not?
Quote from: Lucastorm on May 01, 2012, 05:40:06 PM
When do you say it's time to trade GAJ?
As i resisted last round, I really don't want to trade him this round...
But if he doesn't play next? Should he be traded or not?
Is there really a correct time.
You keep him this week as well means you have kept him two weeks on the pine. Then his out for just one more. Why trade him when you've kept him for two weeks when you didn't want to trade him anyway. Bloody confusing! But keep.
Is there really a correct time.
You keep him this week as well means you have kept him two weeks on the pine. Then his out for just one more. Why trade him when you've kept him for two weeks when you didn't want to trade him anyway. Bloody confusing! But keep.
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Cheers