Gents, what's the point in having any discernible opinion on this matter at all?
We all agree rape is abhorrent. We all agree the charges laid against Milne are very serious. We all agree that it is a good thing that after much confusion and potential interference the parties concerned are a step closer to having the matter heard in front of their peers. Or are we?
Surely any subsequent sanction against Milne as a result of the charges laid should be seen purely as a means whereby certain brands can suffer the least damage. Morals are not coming into this equation, because if they did, Milne would be free to play this weekend. Apart from showing up to a committal hearing to see if he is to be tried, essentially, Milnes' life should be able to proceed as normal under the justice system we all enjoy, for better or for worse.
We have a Police force that completely botched the first investigation into this matter, now claiming authority over the same matter nine years later as if to demonstrate something has actually changed in their governance and understanding of moral culpability. Are we all actually satisfied, that irrespective of the innuendo towards failings of the original investigative team and subsequent alleged interference that we've got it right this time around?*
Spare me. I'd hate to be stood down from what I love doing on the basis of an organisations determination that they effed up last time, but they sure as shit got it right this time.**
*I appreciate there are some boys in blue on this board, no offence is intended to them or the work they do
**I don't like Milne.
I see nothing wrong with standing him down on pay until the matter is resolved. You can't have an alleged* rapist representing your brand.
* I'm strongly on the “he's innocent until proven guilty” side, just think the allegation is enough to stand him down. I'll be surprised if he is found guilty. Heck, I'll be surprised if it gets to trial**. But until it's resolved, St Kilda are doing the right thing by the club, and the right thing by Milne.
** These are my personal opinions***
*** I don't think we really need to have disclaimers on every post. If you find yourself on jury duty for this one, guys, then remove yourself from the discussion. I think we should be allowed to discuss something that is in the public domain, as long as we don't go potting him for it before his time.
The way I interpreted what came out of the club was that he was stood down as much for his own sake and mental well being as any other reason...whether we take that at face value I don't know
He should be stood down until the case is resolved. Can't have an alleged racist representing your brand on the ground. If he is innocent than it may be harsh that he is not allowed to play but when you are being paid hundreds of thousands of dollars a year you have certain obligations. Numero uno is to keep yourself out of trouble
A hypothetical if not rhetorical question, but what would the league's stance be of a player convicted and sentenced of such charge returning to play post his incarceration ? Would they hold the view that he's done his time and is free to play or that he is never to return as is a blight on the code ?
Andrew Krakouer of Richmond and Collingwood fame was in jail for a few years I believe.
I think the AFL would spin it as a success. Turning young mens lives around through football, that sort of thing. Milne if he is convicted however is a much higher profile player and accused of a very serious crime so it would be a much harder sell (will be too old to return anyway)
I should leave it alone but you're not right