TonyK
CibbuanoKennett pays fine
April 30th 2009 07:32
HAWTHORN president Jeff Kennett has opted to pay the $5000 fine handed out by the AFL for his comments on the role and standard of umpires in the game.
Kennett said he chose to pay the fine because he didn't want the club to suffer for his personal views.
and would pay the fine and refrain from public comment on key on-field matters in the future.
"As much as I would like to have pursued the issue, it is better we all get on with what we are about and that is winning games," he said.
"And secondly you could not put it past the AFL to impose sanctions on the club, such as loss of premiership points, if the matter was not settled, and that we would not want. So let the matters of substance be settled in the court of public opinion."
Kennett also said he will refrain from commeting on key on-field issues in the future.
"Sorry if I have caused you distraction. Be assured my future public comments will be as bland as those who seek to control us," he said.
In a letter to AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson, Kennett vented his frustration over the fine.
"As my comments were not umpire or incident specific, were hardly outrageous, and expressed views that are felt by many in the community, one can only assume that you had already decided to fine me before receiving my letter of explanation," he wrote.
"In sanctioning me for what were factual comments, expressing a commonly held view, the AFL is again shooting the messenger rather than addressing the fundamental issues."
Kennett also accused the AFL of standing in the way of free speech.
"I have therefore decided, with regret, to pay the fine that you have levied. With regret because I would rather retain my $5000, with regret because I think your sanctions are misplaced. But I am aware that unless I pay this fine, you at the AFL may well apply further sanctions against my club which I certainly do not want to occur," he said.
"However, I do not resile from the thought process behind my comments that have now been explained to you twice, and my explanations which you have seen fit to reject."
"So please find attached my personal cheque for $5000, and as the AFL works to paint the sky grey, and limit free speech, be assured that many of us will continue to manage our affairs as best we can to the advancement of the code and those who support, not only our individual clubs, but the game itself."
Kennett said he chose to pay the fine because he didn't want the club to suffer for his personal views.
and would pay the fine and refrain from public comment on key on-field matters in the future.
"As much as I would like to have pursued the issue, it is better we all get on with what we are about and that is winning games," he said.
"And secondly you could not put it past the AFL to impose sanctions on the club, such as loss of premiership points, if the matter was not settled, and that we would not want. So let the matters of substance be settled in the court of public opinion."
Kennett also said he will refrain from commeting on key on-field issues in the future.
"Sorry if I have caused you distraction. Be assured my future public comments will be as bland as those who seek to control us," he said.
In a letter to AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson, Kennett vented his frustration over the fine.
"As my comments were not umpire or incident specific, were hardly outrageous, and expressed views that are felt by many in the community, one can only assume that you had already decided to fine me before receiving my letter of explanation," he wrote.
"In sanctioning me for what were factual comments, expressing a commonly held view, the AFL is again shooting the messenger rather than addressing the fundamental issues."
Kennett also accused the AFL of standing in the way of free speech.
"I have therefore decided, with regret, to pay the fine that you have levied. With regret because I would rather retain my $5000, with regret because I think your sanctions are misplaced. But I am aware that unless I pay this fine, you at the AFL may well apply further sanctions against my club which I certainly do not want to occur," he said.
"However, I do not resile from the thought process behind my comments that have now been explained to you twice, and my explanations which you have seen fit to reject."
"So please find attached my personal cheque for $5000, and as the AFL works to paint the sky grey, and limit free speech, be assured that many of us will continue to manage our affairs as best we can to the advancement of the code and those who support, not only our individual clubs, but the game itself."
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