The 2012 Essendon drug saga reignited on Thursday after it was revealed that the man at the centre of the scandal, James Hird, had been invited to the 2017 AFL Grand Final to present the Norm Smith Medal.
The news proved furious debate on the BigFooty forums, with many believing that Hird should never be invited back “into the fold” due to his involvement in the program which led to 34 past and present players being suspended from the game for twelve months.
Here’s how you reacted to the news:
There’s a reason Gary Ablett isn’t a Hall Of Fame Legend.
The look matters.
The James Hird decision, under that measurement, is a shocker.— Andy Maher (@AndyMaherDFA) July 13, 2017
I’ve now seen tweets mentioning James Hird with Rolf Harris, George Pell and Bill Cosby.
This website is cooked beyond all comprehension.— Steve Smith (@stevesmithffx) July 13, 2017
Given the criteria the @afl uses… James Hird @EssendonFC should be invited to present the Norm Smith medal.
I hope he’s not booed.— Stephen Quartermain (@Quartermain10) July 13, 2017
It’s James Hird’s turn to present the medal, earned as a previous winner. The past is the past and he has done his time. Time to move on. ? https://t.co/IeQY28WYPl
— Sam Landsberger ? (@SamLandsberger) July 13, 2017
James Hird presenting the norm smith is apparently a major issue but Wayne Carey who glassed a lady in the face commentates and that’s ok??
— Melissa⭐️ (@melly300313) July 13, 2017
James Hird hasn’t been invited to present the Norm Smith – it’s his god given right. You stupid ignorant bogans it will be up to him not you
— The Red Sash (@The_Red_Sash) July 13, 2017
NOW | @Culbert_Report believes James Hird has “lost the right” to present the Norm Smith Medal at this years AFL Grand Final.
— Hungry For Sport (@HungryForSport) July 14, 2017
@EssendonFC ⚫️?
This is how our legend
James Hird should walk out on @AFL grand final day to present the Norm Smith Medal ? #5 pic.twitter.com/8ZZ6pm1oLo— Dougie & Creeny (@creeny1) July 13, 2017
I think James Hird is perfect to present the medal. A former winner. A champion. A victim of the modern game. A redemption story. #Hird
— Greg Fleet (@thegregfleet) July 13, 2017
Lance Armstrong is presenting the Tour De France medal this year #jameshird #aflfootyshow @afl
— Andy (@Paulieanderson6) July 13, 2017
“We had an executive punch someone and there are rumours of an affair at head office.”
“Get James Hird to present the Norm Smith Medal.”
— Titus O’Reily (@TitusOReily) July 13, 2017
