by Booney » Thu May 08, 2025 11:03 am
MW wrote:The Bedge wrote:Firstly, I certainly don't condone any threatening texts or whatever, and i'm not trying to make any excuses.. but.. the two things that pop into my mind this week:
1) Is there more to this than just a random text threatening a player? Is that why it's taking so long to also finalise a sanction?
2) Rioli appears to have been quite volatile - and dare I say self destructive - this year, makes me wonder what sort of head space he's in at the moment.
1. Yes, the two on field threats are complicating it as the AFL signed off on no punishment for just the off field text threat.2. 100% he is not mentally right at the moment.
I think in isolation on field threats are seen by the players as heat of the moment and wouldn't be taken as serious. I mean, the day I played for Lockleys on Unley Oval and the Star Force Officer who I was standing threw me on the ground before the first bounce and told me he'd kill me if I went near the ball or him. I didn't
actually think he'd kill me but I heeded the warning nonetheless.
But couple the two on field with the off field and we're in the spot we're in.
If you want to go quickly, go alone.
If you want to go far, go together.