Angry about proposed travel ban exemption for footballers

[suze2000]

All I see here is a bunch of sport-haters complaining about the resumption of sport. And complaining about people coming from a country that has virtually eliminated the virus - AND THEY WILL BE QUARANTINED - is just petty IMO. There are plenty of people arriving on evac flights from India and so on and no-one is whinging about that.

As for the argument that they are all druggies and rapists, that's a crock of sh#t as well. There are thousands of young men playing AFL at elite level and many more thousands playing in their respective state leagues. Of course the odd bit of bad behaviour is going to attract attention, but that doesn't mean that the rest of them are drugged-up meth heads and that there's more crime amongst footballers than other men their age.

And finally, get off Ben Cousins' back. And I say this as the sister of a lifelong meth addict. That his life has turned out the way it has is a tragedy and it's even worse that every single mistake he makes is headline news, even a decade after he stopped playing. Meth is IMO worse than heroi_, it changes your brain chemistry so that you will never feel true happiness again. It blocks the receptors in your brain that makes that possible. And, unlike heroi_ there is no effective medical treatment for meth addiction and withdrawal. Have some god-damned compassion and stop revelling in every humiliation the man suffers. He's an addict, like many of us are, in one way or another. Smokers, overeaters, sugar fiends, drinkers, exercise junkies, collectors, shoe-buyers, travel nuts, adrenaline junkies, even bloody golfers. We all have a vice. His is more destructive than most and if he is anything like my sister, he'd cut off an arm to be rid of it. (end rant)

 

[Dennis Colquitt]

It’s ok as long as they make each player, play on different grounds.

And just play with themselves. lol

 

[Hvr]

And just play with themselves. lol

Well in AFL they are allowed to hand ball.

 

[boxjelly5]

Wow. Lots of sport haters here. Live and let live I say. There are Many who think too much sport is barely enough. It’s been a part of society for thousands of years and I feel sorry for those who not only derive no pleasure from it, but hold it against those who do.

The key is following a specific team. It is a tribal instinct that can be quite emotional and provide relaxation and anticipation as stress release. Many are surprised how taking an interest can add to their life rather than the opposite as displayed here.

There is room in life for More than a few interests and some one else’s interests need not affect you unless you choose to see it that way.dont confuse the theatre of sport with the media portrayal of the few immature individuals who behave badly, like those from all walks of life.

 

[Pushka]

that has virtually eliminated the virus - AND THEY WILL BE QUARANTINED - is just petty IMO. There are plenty of people arriving on evac flights from India and so on and no-one is whinging about that.

Actually the reason why there is an exemption is because they aren't Australian citizens and non citizens from other countries are currently banned. The arrivals from India are either permanent residents or Australian citizens. Big difference. So of course I'm not going to whinge about Aussies being allowed to come home.

And I'd say the same if they were circus performers, artists, lawyers, dentists, musicians and, you get the drift.

If we can get performances, like sport, safety started with people already in the country, then that's a start. As I said, tennis golf etc - don't see the issues. Without a crowd watching though.

 

[drron]

Well in AFL they are allowed to hand ball.

Though Rugby teams go a little further.on their teams they have a position for a hooker.

 

[pottsy]

I nearly just blew my foofu valve when I heard on ABC radio that a NZ Rugby League team was expecting to get an exemption from the travel ban on non-Australian citizens so that they can come to Australia for the "vital" reason of playing footy. It makes me really angry to think that this might be allowed when many other people are not able to come here eg my son's British girlfriend. I can guarantee you that she would not be off camping with the brothers, shooting at things without a licence, riding a motor bike in contravention of social distancing and travel limitations or drinking and dancing with a posse of hot young guys.
I cannot believe that this is even being considered. Probably this is more like a rant than a post, but really, why should the rules be bent for football players (expecting to be flamed for saying this!)

TOTALLY agree! Personally I think it ridiculous that situations such as that of your son's girlfriend exist. Keep in mind though, it is Aust/NZ, SPORT is no doubt considered essential travel!

 

[Seat0B]

Actually the reason why there is an exemption is because they aren't Australian citizens and non citizens from other countries are currently banned. The arrivals from India are either permanent residents or Australian citizens. Big difference. So of course I'm not going to whinge about Aussies being allowed to come home.

And I'd say the same if they were circus performers, artists, lawyers, dentists, musicians and, you get the drift.

If we can get performances, like sport, safety started with people already in the country, then that's a start. As I said, tennis golf etc - don't see the issues. Without a crowd watching though.

@Pushka, exactly. Why are these particular non-Australian citizens so important that they get an exemption from rules that are being enforced on others? Especially given the track record of this "class of people" in complying with the rules. And before people shout down about tarring every footy player with the same brush, that's exactly the point here - apparently we are all in it together and the virus can't tell if you are just a boofhead or not. One footy player doing the wrong thing puts other people at risk, and I don't see why we would be willing to make exemptions for importing these risks when we are not willing to import others.

Or if we are willing to import them (and take the risks), then my son's British GF, who is a lawyer, would surely be a lower risk import after her 14 day quarantine, than a footy team.

I notice that the Albury local council seems to share my perspective with their reaction to the Melbourne Storm and the intention not to give them special status above all other people who are subject to travel bans either domestically or internationally.

All pigs are equal, but some are more equal than others? (And sorry to any pigs offended by the reference!)

 

[boxjelly5]

I cannot believe that this is even being considered. Probably this is more like a rant than a post, but really, why should the rules be bent for football players (expecting to be flamed for saying this!)

Nothing wrong with sounding your opinions Seat0B. But I think there is a world of difference between the cases of your sons gf and the Auckland Warriors team.

One is a team essntial to kickstart a multi million dollar business with its flow-on effects that provide enormous intangible benefits to a large proportion of our society. Some may dislike sport but that is no reason to deny those that do. Your argument about the “class of people” smacks of superiority. It’s not about individuals. It’s an approval to enable an Australian entertainment business that will fill a massive hole in our established lifestyle to recommence within strict guidelines
As for boofhead behavior, if you think there is not going to be some problems in any group of hundreds of young people bonding in their environment, you are kidding yourself. Look at Universities. The difference is the media and Social media and what you hear about.

On the other hand your son’s gf may be a lovely person who may be safe, responsible and contribute to your family’s welfare. But I don’t see how she will add millions to our economy nor provide hundreds of jobs nor provide a much missed recreation for the masses that do have an interest in the drama of sport. But more than that, the question should be where would it stop if individual personal requests to enter Australia were granted. I think the decision To grant a single exemption to the ARL is reasonable With strict guidelines enforced

 

[drron]

Two weeks ago i also thought this was stupid but seeing people out and about and even in the hospital people are obviously starting to rebel against the lockdown.
Confirmed on Monday when the lock down of the North West Tasmania had been lifted.TV news pictures of a full Bunnings car park with long queue to get into the store.
Now I believe we have to do something to ease the strain on many people.

 

[Seat0B]

@boxjelly5 , I think we will have to agree to respectfully disagree .

I understand your points, and agree to some extent.

But why footballers, who are known for their disrespectful behaviour. Why not ballet dancers to kick start that industry that is hurting just as much (nope I don’t attend, ever), or even FIFO miners who are having to deal with domestic border closures and they certainly contribute big dollars to the economy and despite being predominantly young men, they seem to manage to comply with the rules a lot better. I’m pretty sure the media would be all over them too if they misbehaved the way the boofheads do.

 

[boxjelly5]

But why footballers, who are known for their disrespectful behaviour. Why not ballet dancers to kick start that industry that is hurting just as much (nope I don’t attend, ever),

I guess because the ARL applied for a single entity (team). I’m sure ballet dancers could apply too but football can perform without crowds because the demand is there on pay TV but it’s not quite the same with ballet. I was lucky enough to see almost every ballet and opera for the last 20 years and I loved it live - but put it on a TV screen and I hate it.

As for FIFO workers I’m sure their company could seek special circumstances but the bottom line is profit for the company and not a recreation for the masses. Also a FIFO worker misbehaving is simply not going to be splashed all over the tv and newspapers like any football player will. Why? Simply because it sells.

 

[mannej]

@boxjelly5 , I think we will have to agree to respectfully disagree .

I understand your points, and agree to some extent.

But why footballers, who are known for their disrespectful behaviour. Why not ballet dancers to kick start that industry that is hurting just as much (nope I don’t attend, ever), or even FIFO miners who are having to deal with domestic border closures and they certainly contribute big dollars to the economy and despite being predominantly young men, they seem to manage to comply with the rules a lot better. I’m pretty sure the media would be all over them too if they misbehaved the way the boofheads do.

Miners? Forgetting the incident in South Hedland due to the mitigating circumstances, surely you cannot deny that there are a number of reports in the media of trouble on flights due to drunken/aggressive behaviour of FIFO staff.

 

[Philjbod101]

Suze, feel better now that you’ve gotten that off your chest?

 

[DC3]

....Why are these particular non-Australian citizens so important that they get an exemption from rules that are being enforced on others? .... I notice that the Albury local council seems to share my perspective with their reaction to the Melbourne Storm and the intention not to give them special status above all other people who are subject to travel bans either domestically or internationally

I understand where you are coming from. Unfortunately big football is now big money. Playing sport for the sake of it is not a factor anymore. With so many now earning a living from sport, directly or indirectly, money will win out.

Edit: And some are more special than others, but we knew that anyway.

 

[drron]

Most FIFO workers are considered essential workers so are allowed to cross borders to work.They may have to isolate outside of work hours.

 

[Steady]

Most FIFO workers are considered essential workers so are allowed to cross borders to work.They may have to isolate outside of work hours.

Not in my experience, or the experience of a large network or FIFO workers I am connected to in WA and SA

 

[Seat0B]

Miners? Forgetting the incident in South Hedland due to the mitigating circumstances, surely you cannot deny that there are a number of reports in the media of trouble on flights due to drunken/aggressive behaviour of FIFO staff.

@mannej , I’m agreeing with you. It’s boxjelly5 who thinks that the media give FIFO miners an easier time. Similar profile to footy players. One gets an exemption - one doesn’t. Go figure.

 

[Pushka]

And an exemption granted to US military to do the usual troop swap in the NT. Now that is risky but they will be quarantined at an Army base first.

 

[boxjelly5]

@mannej , I’m agreeing with you. It’s boxjelly5 who thinks that the media give FIFO miners an easier time. Similar profile to footy players. One gets an exemption - one doesn’t. Go figure.

Of course FIFO workers can misbehave. But similar profile to footy players? Really? Most Australians could name plenty of footballers, especially the ones whose faces are regularly splashed across our TV screens and newspapers for any sniff of indiscretion.

Whether they like it or not they are in the headlights wherever they go and whatever they do. Not sure I’ve heard of any infamous FIFO workers who have media camped outside their house. I Certainly can’t name any individuals.