Radio station's 'disgusting' act amid AFL groping scandal
The AFL has contacted radio station Triple M over a crude parody of Richmond’s team song in light of the club’s groping controversy.
On Saturday the AFL slammed “unacceptable and juvenile” groping incidents between players that were highlighted on social and traditional media last week.
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Richmond players Nick Vlastuin and Jayden Short were caught on camera inappropriately touching teammate Mabior Chol.
It led to coach Damien Hardwick being questioned about the incidents on Friday during his weekly press conference, which the premiership mentor called to an abrupt halt.
More similar incidents, including one between St Kilda teammates Dan Butler and Jade Gresham, have since come to light.
But a since-deleted social media post from Triple M has further angered AFL officials.
On Saturday night the radio station posted crude lyrics to a song called ‘We’ve Got Your Balls In Hand’ - a parody of the Richmond team song.
It led to widespread backlash from fans and caught the attention of the AFL.
“The AFL contacted station management today to voice our concern at the content that was yesterday uploaded on their digital channels, and ensure they were aware that the AFL’s position on the recent unacceptable and inappropriate behaviour by the players should be rebuked and not be celebrated,” a statement from the league read on Sunday.
Fans also slammed the stunt as “vile” and “disgusting”.
Vile stuff 🤬
— Crystal (@xxCrystal666xx) August 8, 2020
What a disgusting attempt at humour not even remotely funny
— jonnybgood ‘17🏆 ‘19🏆 (@jonny17bgood) August 9, 2020
Absolutely appalled, but not surprised. We have a long, long way to go.
— S Gardner-Drummond (@sgardnerdrummon) August 8, 2020
Disgusting! 👎👎
— let’s do it (@Heretochat5) August 8, 2020
AFL condemns ‘unacceptable’ groping incidents
Earlier on Saturday the AFL took a stand against the disturbing change-room behaviour.
“The actions of players touching several teammates inappropriately during post-game celebrations and / or during club theme songs is not in keeping with either club, community or AFL expectations,” the league said in a statement.
“The behaviour is inappropriate, unacceptable and juvenile.
“AFL players are professional athletes and set the example for the hundreds of thousands of kids playing football across the country.
“It is the responsibility of each club and the players themselves to ensure this inappropriate behaviour is not repeated.”
Vlastuin and Short on Friday apologised to Chol and Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale said club officials had checked on the 23-year-old, who said in a statement he had not taken any offence to his teammates' actions.
“Several people have (spoken to Chol) on our behalf, just to check in and make sure that he's okay,” Gale told 3AW radio.
“I mean several people, and just to absolutely emphasise that this is not something we accept or will accept and to make sure that he is okay.
“I can understand why people looking at this would feel really confronted. It's a bad look and it's got to stop and it will stop.
“But I think the opinion that really matters here is Mabior and, yes, he was surprised (by the groping). It was unexpected.
“But for him it's a non-issue and we should take that into account.”
Butler has also apologised for his behaviour and Gresham was not concerned about that incident.
St Kilda said “there is no context in which this behaviour is appropriate and we will ensure it is not repeated”.
with AAP
