A muse.
A few seasons ago St Kilda sacked a player found not guilty of a serious crime.
Now it has given indefinite 'leave of absence', not the sack, to another player accused of a similar crime. This smacks of inconsistency, even discrimination. We've all heard of the saying "innocent unless proved guilty", but it is not applied in this case.
Although it is unlikely in this situation, will the player be punished by being made to play in the VFL as have other out-of-favour AFL players?
I think you will find Milne is not allowed to play in the VFL and at 33 his career is over..
OK, a few points to correct here:
* Andrew Lovett was not sacked because he was charged with rape, he had been causing trouble since he arrived at the club (showed up to training at least once in an unacceptable state and missed another).
* While he was eventually found not guilty, it was several months later. The case against Milne is weak at best, and been thrown out more than once before.
* The advice of the AFL and the PA was sought before any decision was made, and both supported the action, as they have done in this case.
* Lovett was NOT a St Kilda player, he was a St Kilda recruit, he has been at the club less than a month, compared to Milne, who has played 260+ games for the club.
* Milne will miss 2 games only at this stage, until after his court date. His leave will then be reasssed. He is not playing in the VFL.
Please don't comment unless you know a little bit more about what is going on.
It was only a muse. Thanks, Riccardo, for the details.
...still, at 33 years of age, I would think his career is 'in trouble' ... just an opinion...
Sorry to be bitchy, I just think St Kilda and Milne deserve the presumption of innocence, the club is constantly character assassinated in the media and it is highly aggravating.
I would think given the club has admitted they are rebuilding, coupled with Milnes age and the recruiting of Milera & Saad, Milneys long and decorated career is coming to a close regardless of this. Its depressing to think that a 500+ goal small forward will be remembered this way though, especially when others whose off field behaviour was disgusting are remembered as all conquering heroes.