Mega Thread Matt Rendell (Part 2)

[TAITA]

What Taita doesn't understand is that they are on my ignore list days ago because of the harassment and requoting things I've said without actually acknowledging anything I have said.

Just requoting and drivel, reqouting and drivel.

It's funny,I wrote a post before about people ignoring OBVIOUS facts but it seems nobody has the aptitude nor the intelligence to reply to it.

The video and useful links I have put forward have also been ignored and not discuss by nearly everyone barring maybe Ron The Bear.

In fact I have replied more often than anybody here, I have had to consume more of my time than anyone here, and apparently I'm not one that is ignoring.

You poor victim you - grow up!

 

[Kwality]

You poor victim you - grow up!

Are you a ranking officer in the Thought Police or just a 5hitkika?

 

[Roby]

Ok fair enough, that's your right.

Would you agree or disagree that the following counterpoints I raised earlier are either valid or invalid? Racist or not?

If you watch the interview on Footy Classified again it's pretty clear that Rendell is genuinely trying to better himself and his dealings and ability to converse succint clear views would be enhanced by such counselling.

Yes I can see that too but probably differently to how you see it. I agree he was trying to better himself, his latest offering should attest to that. He wouldn't of gone on FC and be grilled with questions if he a part of him didn't want to understand the situation better. I don't believe he fully grasped the current nature of his problem though. I'm sure if he had his time again, he would've commented and looked at things differently.

Agreement to counselling in no way = "I was a liar".You're drawing a long bow if that is your conclusion. Not to mention that to be genuinely contrite and assuage any misgivings his indigenous friends may have developed due to the hatchet job he has received from the media and the AFL.

You have to be careful in making such implications. You do understand what you are saying here? You're suggesting that Rendell is allowing others to spread lies about him. You're also might be suggesting that Rendell did not say "the white parent comment". What else would they be lying about otherwise?

I also believe I was the first person to point on this forum after the On The Couch interview that I did not believe that Demetriou did not merely suggest that the AFC deal with it own their own accord. I watched the interview and I believe AD told the club that the AFL could not be seen to have a recruiter of an AFL club be branded with such comments. As much as you think this is duplicity, the AFL doesn't want to be seen as arbiter of everyone's issues. But as far as I am concerned the correct decisions have been made. Rendell is getting counselling without worrying about what people think of him as a employed recruiter. He may come out of this better than you realise.

So if McLeod and other vocal supporters had become horrified and wish to distance themselves from such an obvious racist, would'nt they come out and try to publically distance themselves from those initial supportive comments? Silence doesn't automatically mean condemnation.

Maybe this is difficult for you to understand but put yourself in Mcleod shoes for a second. Do you think people are robots who can just switch their feelings on and off all the time. Can you understand he may be feeling depressed about the whole situation. And since he came in support of Rendell, but now Rendell has publicly apologised don't you think he would be feeling betrayed and hurt? These are things that make the issues complex, because we are talking people core values, emotions and livelihood and get lost in the sake of argument.

I posted an article about Heirisson Island, yet nobody replied to it, even though it's more relevant that anything about Rednell. You can choose to ignore it but some of the complex issues we are talking about can be seen in that 4min video along with the article.

 

[afc1991]

But the ignroance in this thread will mean the AFL may have to take an even stronger stance in the future.

Its the afc's stance if you believe the afl, not sure what the afl stance is.

I dont think anything will ever be handled so poorly by the afl ever again. Too many holes, inconsistencies, penalty doesnt fit the crime. Now they are just closing their eyes and waiting for things to blow over while most of wonder wtf?

The majority are bewildered, and even if it is a case of ignorance, what are the afl doing to educate? Massive fail which ever way you look at it.

 

[scottwade]

The completely ignore things like, Andrew Mcleod, since supporting Rendell and wanting to hear his version of events, has made no comments since.

McLeod has made his comments supporting Rendell.
If he wished to change them he could have.
He did not. Therefore his defacto position is supporting Rendell.

You completely ignore that no Indegenious person has pubicly supported Rendell since then. In fact Xavier Clarke has come in support of Mifsud.

You mean the person who 2 months ago accepted a position working under Mifsud?

Former St Kilda and Brisbane Lions midfielder Xavier Clarke has accepted a role with the AFL
The 28-year-old will be in charge of indigenous engagement and transition, helping indigenous players prepare for life after football.

http://www.afl.com.au/tabid/208/default.aspx?newsid=127903

Well this thread has degenerated into something I certainly didn't intend it to, it was supposed to be a celebration of Amos' story.

Really?
That is supposed to be what this thread (and part 1) were about?


Finally if we are looking for racism, I'd suggest this quote would be worthy of consideration;

"The one vehicle this country has had in the last 15 years to elevate, celebrate and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity is football
Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-new...#ixzz1pCDyVqW

To me, as a non-Aborigine, that seems an incredibly narrow and inappropriate view of Aborigine identity, culture and achievement and indeed is an arguably racist comment.

Is that not so?

The person quoted in that article is Mifsud.

The very same article where the 'white parent' quote of Rendell was first raised.

 

[TAITA]

Are you a ranking officer in the Thought Police or just a 5hitkika?

Actually I am genuinely offended that you can be painted as a racist only because you have white skin and have a different point of view.

I didn't realise racism was only a white man's disease - apparently if you are of any other color you can accuse people of it willy nilly with no expectations of rebuke.

 

[RegHickeyStand]

It will probably take you all day to check all my posts. So check again. Pathetic.

Nope, I'm calling you out. You never mentioned any indigenous players who publicly gave support to Mifsud when the Rendell story first came out. And I'm pretty sure there weren't any.


I did check your posts. I'll stand corrected, but as far as I can see, you made it up.

Other posters have said you do the same. You made it up. You love your own PC opinions, but you make stuff up.

 

[JP Sauce]

McLeod has made his comments supporting Rendell.
If he wished to change them he could have.
He did not. Therefore his defacto position is supporting Rendell.




You mean the person who 2 months ago accepted a position working under Mifsud?

http://www.afl.com.au/tabid/208/default.aspx?newsid=127903



Really?
That is supposed to be what this thread (and part 1) were about?


Finally if we are looking for racism, I'd suggest this quote would be worthy of consideration;


To me, as a non-Aborigine, that seems an incredibly narrow and inappropriate view of Aborigine identity, culture and achievement and indeed is an arguably racist comment.

Is that not so?

The person quoted in that article is Mifsud.

The very same article where the 'white parent' quote of Rendell was first raised.

Solid post.

 

[mysainters]

Don't say that, they may think you work undercover for the AFL.

Hardly

There just appears to be a misconception on this thread that for many guys, it was a case of support for one and not the other. Some people / players appear capable of being both sympathetic towards MR, yet solid in their support of JM.

The other thing that people keep overlooking is that the now famous one liner, and the suggestion of shifting guys away from their home, were the MR comments that we actually know about.

Hasn't it been said that much more was said in the meeting that was offensive?

Bit to play out I reckon.

 

[Ned_Flanders]

Bit to play out I reckon.

Unlikely.

Hutchy's balls shrunk right up on Monday, and only way I can see him reporting in this is if Rendall ends up on a plane sitting next to Ben Cousins

Caro is never wrong and has already made her mind up, so no need to dig further

Rucci will get distracted by something bright and shiny, and when he comes to and realizes he has to write something, will write yet another article about how Port is broke and will relocate to Porpise Spit

Ratboy Barrott will pass on this one, as he is busy finding out what Travis Cloke is googling, and how Dustin Martin takes his coffee.

A story is to be told here, be it one way or another, but I doubt any journo has the balls to seriously do the digging needed

 

[Bell Ringer]

The completely ignore the fact that Rendell was given an opportunity to retract his comments.

Why the **** should he?

 

[Dickie Greenleaf]

Yes I can see that too but probably differently to how you see it. I agree he was trying to better himself, his latest offering should attest to that. He wouldn't of gone on FC and be grilled with questions if he a part of him didn't want to understand the situation better. I don't believe he fully grasped the current nature of his problem though. I'm sure if he had his time again, he would've commented and looked at things differently.

Without doubt. I would suggest though that he would be more than well aware of his failings. After all, how could you not, once your ill advised and poorly worded comments have cost you your job, reputation and possibly a number of friends. On top of all that add in a little public humiliation and these failings would be patently obvious to even the biggest dimwit.

You have to be careful in making such implications. You do understand what you are saying here? You're suggesting that Rendell is allowing others to spread lies about him. You're also might be suggesting that Rendell did not say "the white parent comment". What else would they be lying about otherwise?

I might be suggesting that, but I hate to disappoint you because I'm not. What I am suggesting though is that there has been a miscommunication and Mifsud has formulated an opinion on that miscommuncation. Hyperbole has been mentioned by others in this thread and given the context in which Rendell made the comments, coupled with his obvious lack of oratory skills, then Mifsud just might have got the wrong end of the stick, so to speak. You only have to view Rendell's emotional interview to see that the guy isn't exactly Shakespeare. The thing is, I'm happy to cut him a little slack. His intentions appear to be genuinely of a constructive nature and not those of a racist.

I also believe I was the first person to point on this forum after the On The Couch interview that I did not believe that Demetriou did not merely suggest that the AFC deal with it own their own accord. I watched the interview and I believe AD told the club that the AFL could not be seen to have a recruiter of an AFL club be branded with such comments. As much as you think this is duplicity, the AFL doesn't want to be seen as arbiter of everyone's issues. But as far as I am concerned the correct decisions have been made. Rendell is getting counselling without worrying about what people think of him as a employed recruiter. He may come out of this better than you realise.

Oh, no doubt. Of course his position was untennable once Demetriou and co decided to air all of this via a generally hysterical Australian Sports media. I'd argue that this hasn't been handled correctly at all and has been completely arse about. Sure all the elements are in place but in the wrong order.I'd think the appropriate action would be to take Matt aside, explain where he's been wrong and give him a course of counselling and education. If he then continued to **** up and offend the indigenous community in the AFL, then yeah, line him up and pull the trigger. This publicity has done nothing but generate harm and controversy. The question remains, why even go public in the first place? It stinks.

Maybe this is difficult for you to understand but put yourself in Mcleod shoes for a second. Do you think people are robots who can just switch their feelings on and off all the time. Can you understand he may be feeling depressed about the whole situation. And since he came in support of Rendell, but now Rendell has publicly apologised don't you think he would be feeling betrayed and hurt? These are things that make the issues complex, because we are talking people core values, emotions and livelihood and get lost in the sake of argument.

Difficult for me to understand? Not at all. Certainly the points you raise above are entirely plausible. I'm not claiming that I have any idea of what is in the mind of Andrew McLeod and how he may be feeling. What I am trying to do though is present a possible alternate viewpoint, for the sake of the discussion. Nobody can second guess what the likes of McLeod Clarke, etc are thinking/feeling because we aren't them.

I posted an article about Heirisson Island, yet nobody replied to it, even though it's more relevant that anything about Rednell. You can choose to ignore it but some of the complex issues we are talking about can be seen in that 4min video along with the article.

I'll take a look, but the posted vid is showing up as 51 minutes.

 

[RegHickeyStand]

Unlikely.

Hutchy's balls shrunk right up on Monday, and only way I can see him reporting in this is if Rendall ends up on a plane sitting next to Ben Cousins

Caro is never wrong and has already made her mind up, so no need to dig further

Rucci will get distracted by something bright and shiny, and when he comes to and realizes he has to write something, will write yet another article about how Port is broke and will relocate to Porpise Spit

Ratboy Barrott will pass on this one, as he is busy finding out what Travis Cloke is googling, and how Dustin Martin takes his coffee.

A story is to be told here, be it one way or another, but I doubt any journo has the balls to seriously do the digging needed

Mifsud is hardly going to lead with the least offensive comment, is he? What we got is the worst comment.

No doubt "But there's more" is touted because the public weren't buying what was put out there.

Rendell is supposed have said "you blokes are always late". Seeing as Mifsud had previously told off Rendell for calling indigenous players "Aboriginals", I'll be surprised if Rendell talked to him like that. I'd think he was talking about AFL officials not turning up on time.

 

[aussierulesrules]

Hasn't it been said that much more was said in the meeting that was offensive?

Bit to play out I reckon.

Offensive, or that they took offense to? What one finds offensive, someone else could just as easily not find offensive in the least. It's like how "beauty is in the eye of the beholder". Who's to say what's offensive and what isn't, as I heard someone ask earlier tonight?

And apparently the "other stuff" was things like Rendell referring to the indigenous community as "you guys", when referring to them, which is not something that most would find offensive, I don't imagine. I mean, if I was talking to someone from, say another country and we were talking about something that is going on in Australia, I wouldn't be offended if they referred to us as "you guys" during the conversation! What the hell else are they supposed to refer to a community/"race" that they don't feel they're a part of as? I reckon only someone who is ashamed of who they are would take offense to that.

As for the scholarship suggestion being "offensive", do we here in Australia find it "offensive" when universities in the US, for example, offer a scholarship position to anyone from here that they have identified as having elite baseball, basketball, or gridiron talents? Do we all start screaming "racist", or take it as an insult? I know I sure as hell don't!

 

[Off The Couch]

I would but you completely ignore certain OBVIOUS facts.

The completely ignore things like Rendell having apologised.

The completely ignore the fact that Rendell was given an opportunity to retract his comments.

Rendell apologised to those who found his comments racist not for the actual comments that he made because he genuinely believes that they were taken out of context and this is why he doesn't recant his original statement. I'm amazed that as the leader of the pack and as a person who has played such a pivotal role in this situation, that AD couldn't find the time to speak to Rendell himself and instead listened to one version only and then told Adelaide to deal with it.

You completely ignore that Demetriou offered Rendell counselling after his position had become, and he is getting now.

AD didn't offer him counselling. Frank Bassini a racial vilification counsellor offered to counsel Rendell and Misfud and both took him up on the offer.

The completely ignore things like, Andrew Mcleod, since supporting Rendell and wanting to hear his version of events, has made no comments since.
You completely ignore that no Indegenious person has pubicly supported Rendell since then. In fact Xavier Clarke has come in support of Mifsud.

What do you want McLeod to do, he has made his position very clear and I don't think there is any need for him to say any more and for the record Darryl White during the ontherunhome also gave his support to Rendell and for a very short time on 3aw Chris Johnson also gave his support to Rendell (I think he then remembered who he worked for).

As for Misfud, is that the same Xavier Clarke who is now employed by the AFL. There are a hell of a lot of ex indigenous footballers out there who could have made a comment for either party but apart from those fronting the Mangrook channel not one single person has come out and said they disagree with what Rendell is saying.

They completely ignore that the fact that the last player in the AFL who was racially abused did not want to make it an issue, and it was an umpire who reported it. Buddy had the same abuse handed to him less than a year ago, and it was brought to light by a newspaper. Demetriou was very diligent in working with Hawthorn to finding out who perpetrator was and was very clear on his stance on it. The general consensus at the time was quite unanimous on any racial comments. They IGNORE that most people who are racially vilified do not want it to be made public, and it takes a A LOT of courage to do so.

For the most part not a single person likes to hear the sort of crap that occurred down in Tasmania or up in Queensland with the young GC player and the same stance was taken when Majak Daw was villified and this was shown with the amount of support that was given to these players when the issue was raised on BF. Your going to find these sorts of people no matter where you go regardless of what they are doing in life so where do you get off lumping all of us who disagree with you in this thread into the racist basket.

The ignore the fact that Misfud had to make the most difficult decision of his life by having to make a choice between his friend and cultural integrity, the AFL's integrity and his community. And Misfud is the AFL's Community Engagements Officer, which would mean you would think he would be professional enough to make stance publicly and immediately but it goes to show how hurtful and difficult this is in the first place.

Misfud had the opportunity to make this public two months ago when the incident first occurred. I don't know about you but when a friend says something to me that I find insulting, rude or derogatory I call them on it immediately and if it was a work colleague then I definately wold of dealt with it immediately. I genuinely believe that this has backfired big time on Misfud because I don't think he thought that AD would demand to know the name of the recruiter in question but the timing was all wrong with the Jurrah incident and the Roos and Hird comment still being fresh in the media AD was on a witch hunt to stamp out all the negativity that was going on.

They completely ignore these facts, and plenty other facts all in the name of righteousness. It seems clear cut to me. So that's why I have to wonder, if you are ignoging such obvious facts, then what agenda do you really have? Especially when you accuse others of having an agenda first. That kind of thinking makes me think that you may yourself have an agenda and you are trying to hide your own through calling others out on it.

Personally the agenda that I have is that Rendell has been poorly dealt with and made a scapegoat of. There is no denying that his choice of words and hypothetical situations were misplaced but his ideas were good ones as reflected in the Stynes foundation that is now being set up to offer scholarships to aboriginal and multicultural youth who are disadvantaged. You can't seem to be able to separate the two issues and instead just wish to label everyone who disagrees with you as being racist. It is so easy to drop the race card whenever a situation becomes too hot to handle.

They ignore the fact that the AFL through it's racial and religious vilification code was awarded for it's work by the OHCHR (United Nations Human Rights Committee) were both Mcleod and Misfud were representatives.

Work that Rendell played a role in and has done a great job with as evidenced by his dismay at the thought of being labelled racist when he has worked with so many indigenous youths and their families over many years.

The same OHCHR who is supporting the Closing The Gap which one of it's purposes is to reform our constitution because it still is culturally insensitive to indigenous people and is still a pro-colonial British constitution.

This has absolutely nothing to do with the current topic

They ignore the multiple programs, incentives, academies, things like The Dreamtime game, that the AFL has with their own money supported, funded and endorsed which is far and above what corporate Australia does.


The ignore the fact that while Indegenous Austrlians only represent 2.5% of our population they currently represent 10% of the playing list, given how difficult it is for them to integrate as an AFL player.

Who is 'they' you talk about here. The football population in general (players, supporters, clubs etc.) have come so far and yet here you are sprouting that it is only you who 'gets it'.

Surely, Amos Frank is a sign on how much we have progressed in this regard?

What has Amos got to do with this. He hasn't even played a season yet and no one knows what the outcomes are going to be - he too could get homesick and leave the club just as Andrew Bosely could.

You completey ingore this, Well this thread has degenerated into something I certainly didn't intend it to, it was supposed to be a celebration of Amos' story.

This thread was never about Amos so obviously your on your white charger in some other thread as well.



When it comes to this I have no tolerance. You either know how to speak on this subject or you don't speak at all.

And I don't think you do, so maybe you should take notice of your own suggestion and not comment at all.

As for Heirson Island, I really don't know why you linked that article and what it has to do with Rendell.

Maybe you should have a read of this one as well, just so you can get some balance

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/newshome/12805658/native-title-claimants-offered-1billion/

 

[Plugger35]

I would but you completely ignore certain OBVIOUS facts.

The completely ignore things like Rendell having apologised.

The completely ignore the fact that Rendell was given an opportunity to retract his comments.

You completely ignore that Demetriou offered Rendell counselling after his position had become, and he is getting now.

The completely ignore things like, Andrew Mcleod, since supporting Rendell and wanting to hear his version of events, has made no comments since.

You completely ignore that no Indegenious person has pubicly supported Rendell since then. In fact Xavier Clarke has come in support of Mifsud.

They completely ignore that the fact that the last player in the AFL who was racially abused did not want to make it an issue, and it was an umpire who reported it. Buddy had the same abuse handed to him less than a year ago, and it was brought to light by a newspaper. Demetriou was very diligent in working with Hawthorn to finding out who perpetrator was and was very clear on his stance on it. The general consensus at the time was quite unanimous on any racial comments. They IGNORE that most people who are racially vilified do not want it to be made public, and it takes a A LOT of courage to do so.

The ignore the fact that Misfud had to make the most difficult decision of his life by having to make a choice between his friend and cultural integrity, the AFL's integrity and his community. And Misfud is the AFL's Community Engagements Officer, which would mean you would think he would be professional enough to make stance publicly and immediately but it goes to show how hurtful and difficult this is in the first place.

They completely ignore these facts, and plenty other facts all in the name of righteousness. It seems clear cut to me. So that's why I have to wonder, if you are ignoging such obvious facts, then what agenda do you really have? Especially when you accuse others of having an agenda first. That kind of thinking makes me think that you may yourself have an agenda and you are trying to hide your own through calling others out on it.

They ignore the fact that the AFL through it's racial and religious vilification code was awarded for it's work by the OHCHR (United Nations Human Rights Committee) were both Mcleod and Misfud were representatives.

The same OHCHR who is supporting the Closing The Gap which one of it's purposes is to reform our constitution because it still is culturally insensitive to indigenous people and is still a pro-colonial British constitution.

They ignore the multiple programs, incentives, academies, things like The Dreamtime game, that the AFL has with their own money supported, funded and endorsed which is far and above what corporate Australia does.

The ignore the fact that while Indegenous Austrlians only represent 2.5% of our population they currently represent 10% of the playing list, given how difficult it is for them to integrate as an AFL player.

Surely, Amos Frank is a sign on how much we have progressed in this regard?

You completey ingore this, Well this thread has degenerated into something I certainly didn't intend it to, it was supposed to be a celebration of Amos' story. So anyway, I found this snippet in the rag this morning:



Or you do want to continue to ignore all these OBVIOUS facts and continue with your racist agenda? I am sorry if you are disappointed with my description of your ignorance, but as far as I am concerned ignorance or intent makes no difference, especially when we are trying to teach the new generation these values. They will not the know the difference they will see any of these racial, and cultural insensitive comments as truth.

Maybe you should watch this video if you actually care about any education.

[YOUTUBE]lfTUMc7yS54[/YOUTUBE]

When it comes to this I have no tolerance. You either know how to speak on this subject or you don't speak at all.

He said that he would only draft an Aboriginal player with one white parent, an absolutely unacceptable statement.

You two are so clueless about this whole issue it's staggering.

What Taita doesn't understand is that they are on my ignore list days ago because of the harassment and requoting things I've said without actually acknowledging anything I have said.

Just requoting and drivel, reqouting and drivel.

It's funny,I wrote a post before about people ignoring OBVIOUS facts but it seems nobody has the aptitude nor the intelligence to reply to it.

The video and useful links I have put forward have also been ignored and not discuss by nearly everyone barring maybe Ron The Bear.

In fact I have replied more often than anybody here, I have had to consume more of my time than anyone here, and apparently I'm not one that is ignoring.

Drivel is exactly what you have been posting in both threads on this issue. You just keep posting the same idiotic drivel again and again while ignoring what other people are telling you. As I've said before you are either a troll or a moron or both.

I posted an article about Heirisson Island, yet nobody replied to it, even though it's more relevant that anything about Rednell. You can choose to ignore it but some of the complex issues we are talking about can be seen in that 4min video along with the article.

How is the situation on Heirisson Island relevent to the Rendell issue apart from both involving indigenous people? You are as bad as the AFL and Caro, throwing in irrelevent red herrings to distract from the real issue which you have repeatedly failed to understand.

 

[Mattrox]

Roby is just as racist and ignorant as Rendell. He seems to think that every Ingidenous person will have the same opinion. The diversity of opinion exists in every community and quarter. Indigenous communities are all different.

It is just as bad to stereotype like Roby has with the idea that every Indigenous person would find Rendell racist if they knew the truth. Even worse without Roby knowing the full truth either.

Indigenous issues are to complex for anyone outside a particular community to make any assumptions.

It is a bad assumption to think that Indigenous communites would find a Melbourne scholarship programme as "assimilation". Many remote communities send their students to boarding school. All parents want the best for their children, just like any sector of Australia, parents make choices about what they think is best for their own children.

Roby has a lot of nerve to come on here and imply what Indigenous people will be thinking. Especially Andrew McCleod who made a clear unequivocal statement.

The statistic that was a worry is that Indigenous participation in AFL has dropped ~2% over recent years. (11.something to 9.someting I think I heard quoted) Yes it is still a high participation rate but a falling rate is more of a concern as it might be a flag to signal broader issues.

 

[scottwade]

The statistic that was a worry is that Indigenous participation in AFL has dropped ~2% over recent years. (11.something to 9.someting I think I heard quoted) Yes it is still a high participation rate but a falling rate is more of a concern as it might be a flag to signal broader issues.

I'd suggest this is a worry;

''In Victoria, we have lost the Aboriginal community in Mildura to soccer and we are losing the Aboriginal community in Geelong to basketball,'' AFL community engagement manager Jason Mifsud told The Age in an exclusive interview. ''We only have four Aboriginal kids at TAC Cup level and four Victorian Aboriginal people playing VFL. Premier cricket have nine Aboriginal kids on their lists, so cricket outstrips us in Victoria.

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/football-on-the-outer-20120315-1v890.html#ixzz1q7zU5nNO
​

The AFL Community engagement manager, Mifsud also had this to say;

... there are significant pools of Aboriginal talent here and the communities have been engaged in other sports because they see it as a clearer pathway. We need to have a mature debate about why that is.

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/football-on-the-outer-20120315-1v890.html#ixzz1q809nONP
​

 

[RegHickeyStand]

Roby has a lot of nerve to come on here and imply what Indigenous people will be thinking. Especially Andrew McCleod who made a clear unequivocal statement.

I found Roby to be very paternalistic in his attitude toward indigenous people. Like he knew what was good for them.

 

[Mattrox]

I'd suggest this is a worry;


The AFL Community engagement manager, Mifsud also had this to say;

Those quotes are probably what Rendell was picking up on and mistakenly tried to have a vigourous debate with Mifsud about it......

 

[Roby]

Without doubt. I would suggest though that he would be more than well aware of his failings. After all, how could you not, once your ill advised and poorly worded comments have cost you your job, reputation and possibly a number of friends. On top of all that add in a little public humiliation and these failings would be patently obvious to even the biggest dimwit.

We partly agree on that at least.

I might be suggesting that, but I hate to disappoint you because I'm not. What I am suggesting though is that there has been a miscommunication and Mifsud has formulated an opinion on that miscommuncation. Hyperbole has been mentioned by others in this thread and given the context in which Rendell made the comments, coupled with his obvious lack of oratory skills, then Mifsud just might have got the wrong end of the stick, so to speak. You only have to view Rendell's emotional interview to see that the guy isn't exactly Shakespeare. The thing is, I'm happy to cut him a little slack. His intentions appear to be genuinely of a constructive nature and not those of a racist.

No doubt there has been miscommunication but that's not surprising given the nature of the subject. Double-meanings and double-thinking is parcoruse when it comes to racism. You need to look at the Insight video and you may understand what I am saying.

We can agree that Rendell is no Orwell or Faulkner, but let's not excuse Rendell as some bumbling idiot. He certainly was emotional on FC but understandably so. He then had to answer some extremely hard questions on the spot. The next day on radio he was much more measured in his comments. It goes to show he is not uneducated, but when it comes to this subject, regarding this topic, in a manner he explained it, he certainly was.

Now who knows how he formed his views. He certainly has had a lot of contact not just with Indigenous Australia but also with a lot cultures. Could be a generational thing? I doubt he would admit that though. Did he form these opinion on his own? Watch the Insight video and the social psychologist comment that racism tends can be formed from contact with other cultures. Now it does seem inconceivable that someone who recruited these guys, knows how hard it is for any player to come in the AFL, that they would form a racist point of view. But given the nature of the business, given how they make a 1,000 decisions on each player, given that a recruiter jobs hangs on the line of each decision, the need to better and better in his profession may have forced his thinking quite a bit.

Our culture and society propagates this, and I laugh when comments about how British or white-education is considered superior. Yes of course, Indigenous Australia needs to be thankful that western culture came around and offer them a more educated view. Suggesting that Indigenous players would fetch far better if they enrolled in a grammar school, is not only culturally insensitive and racist, it is categorically idiotic and ignorant at best.

I run several business, and I can tell you that when someone starts sprouting their education, or the fact they have a certain amount of capital, only to hear a child-like naivety come out of their mouths I realise we are no where near perfect as society.

Oh, no doubt. Of course his position was untennable once Demetriou and co decided to air all of this via a generally hysterical Australian Sports media. I'd argue that this hasn't been handled correctly at all and has been completely arse about. Sure all the elements are in place but in the wrong order.I'd think the appropriate action would be to take Matt aside, explain where he's been wrong and give him a course of counselling and education. If he then continued to **** up and offend the indigenous community in the AFL, then yeah, line him up and pull the trigger. This publicity has done nothing but generate harm and controversy. The question remains, why even go public in the first place? It stinks.

I will concede it may have not been handed correctly, but it certainly wasn't handled atrociously like some are suggesting. Again I will reiterate my previous point, Rendell may benefit more from counselling now that he hasn't got the pressure of the media and the job of recruitment at AFC. It seems ridiculous too brand the AFL as poor management and then be sympathetic to Rendell for doing worse.

Difficult for me to understand? Not at all. Certainly the points you raise above are entirely plausible. I'm not claiming that I have any idea of what is in the mind of Andrew McLeod and how he may be feeling. What I am trying to do though is present a possible alternate viewpoint, for the sake of the discussion. Nobody can second guess what the likes of McLeod Clarke, etc are thinking/feeling because we aren't them.

Okay fair enough, and I'm not saying you are (although I've lost track in this thread) but many here are happy to take their assumptions of people and rendered them fact. Many completely lie about comments made to suit their argument. I believe I have not misquoted anybody, I have presented my views in a rational manner, I have asked plenty of questions and that should suggest to you I do don't think that I am completely knowledgeable on the subject.

In fact very early on, I asked a lot of question but because I had an alternate view I was attacked and branded AFL sympathiser and even speculation about me working for the AFL. Which is completely funny and ridiculous as I have been one of the most vocal people on this forum against the AFL for years. You can go back years in my posting you will see so. The irony is that I myself have started campaigns against the AFL's overreach control over the clubs, players and general public, so in a way it's come back to bite in the ass. But I cannot condone or endorse in any shape of form these certain views. And if I am harassed, attacked and completely ignored regarding I can only wonder why they're doing it.

And if I do call somebody racist, I don't see what the big issue is. This is just a forum where people sprout their opinions like a local post office sending mail daily. If you not racist, you completely should not bother you, people will form their opinions based on what you say anyway, so there is no point getting all defensive about it. I was labelled an AFL cronie and I just saw it as ridiculous nonsense which I had a laugh about. I certainly don't mind it at all. I do wish people would be considerate in replying with with more comprehension rather than ignoring whole points and facts. But anyway, whatever.

 

[TAITA]

And if I do call somebody racist, I don't see what the big issue is.

You are a disgrace.

 

[scottwade]

Suggesting that Indigenous players would fetch far better if they enrolled in a grammar school, is not only culturally insensitive and racist, it is categorically idiotic and ignorant at best.

So is an AFL academy in Darwin OK?

It can also be revealed that a $15 million centre aimed at equipping indigenous youths from remote communities with the skills to make it in the AFL - to be called the Michael Long Academy - is expected to open in Darwin next year.

​

The academy will include educational programs and stress the importance of participants taking up leadership roles within their communities.

​

Among those backing the project are government bodies, the AFL and Charles Darwin University. A similar program has been established by St John's Catholic College in Darwin, the alma mater of four Norm Smith medallists, including Maurice Rioli and Long.

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-ne...15m-academy-20120316-1vayu.html#ixzz1q8DBuUeR
​

And if I do call somebody racist, I don't see what the big issue is.

I was labelled an AFL cronie and I just saw it as ridiculous nonsense which I had a laugh about. I certainly don't mind it at all.

So being called a racist is comparable to being called an AFL crony?

 

[Fossie 32]

I understand implicitly that you would not call Rendell a racist. But I urge to reconsider your definition of it, if that is the case.

And G McAdam?

 

[Roby]

McLeod has made his comments supporting Rendell.
If he wished to change them he could have.
He did not. Therefore his defacto position is supporting Rendell.

"What I do know is that in all my dealings with Matt Rendell, I have never seen it (racism)," McLeod said in a statement on Saturday.
"I will be as keen as anyone to hear him explain his side of the story."

So let me explain to you, this is quite simple, and it will be the last time.

"I will be as keen (Mcleod will be looking at the interview perceptively to try and understand) as anyone (as anybody regardless of argument, he just an observer) to hear him explain his side of the story (Mcleod may adjudicate based on the interview)."

Rendel apologised.

You mean the person who 2 months ago accepted a position working under Mifsud?
http://www.afl.com.au/tabid/208/default.aspx?newsid=127903

Did you not watch the Marngrook Footy Show? A saints supporter made a comment also several Saints supporters were in support of Misfud. But they're probably just supporting their club mate, right?

And why is Mcleod given the same latitude to stay silent but Misfud isn't?

Originally Posted by Roby
Well this thread has degenerated into something I certainly didn't intend it to, it was supposed to be a celebration of Amos' story.

Really?
That is supposed to be what this thread (and part 1) were about?

Really? You mean this post by this user. http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showpost.php?p=23654202&postcount=39

So completely misquoting me, from another user, in different thread and forum. You either are completely incompetent or deliberately deceitful. Hmmm. Maybe it's just past your bed time, will go with the last option?

Shouldn't I bother even with the rest of your post? I am not that nasty. And besides, I agree with your last point.

Finally if we are looking for racism, I'd suggest this quote would be worthy of consideration;

To me, as a non-Aborigine, that seems an incredibly narrow and inappropriate view of Aborigine identity, culture and achievement and indeed is an arguably racist comment.

Is that not so?

The person quoted in that article is Mifsud.

The very same article where the 'white parent' quote of Rendell was first raised.

Yes the comment in regards to branding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander with that view that AFL has been their only saving grace is ignorant.

I guess Mifsud didn't watch the olympics, or tennis, or boxing, or know who Eddie Mabo, Yothu Yindi or Ernie Dingo are.