Footballers are role models to the younger generation who idolize their actions on the field. ‘Role Model’ is however a title that many footballers are not ready to deal with. They often do not have the skills to cope with the constant limelight and media scrutiny thrust upon them. The role mantle of being a role model is something these men need to begin to deal with like it or not. Case in point is one Brendan Fevola the Carlton bad boy has landed himself in more hot water this week after a Brownlow Medal night he would rather forget (and unfortunately probably has).
Brownlow Medal night started as it usually does with the arrival of all the stars and their better halves on this years Blue Carpet. Fevola was entrusted by the football show to carry out the Brownlow Medal street talk segment that gets a big laugh every year. Fevola however began the night drinking and regretfully did not see it fit to stop at a suitable time. The resulting interviews from Fevola were deemed inappropriate for the football show segment, within only a few minutes of Fevola’s recording.
I do not wish to delve into the incidents and interviews in full but Fevola is now paying the price for his indiscretions, a $10,000 fine and further more not being a part of the Grand Final motorcade which each year includes the Coleman Medalist. While the fine is but a small portion of his yearly salary the prospect of losing sponsorships and respect looms above the Star forwards head.
It is time for our elite sportsman all across the country to smarten up. With sport being the be all and end all for many Australians the athletes involved become icons, legends and looked up to. We continually are told about the alcohol related violence in our cities yet the people who have the ability to have the biggest impact continue to send the wrong message. I love having a drink, do not get me wrong, I also like to have a good time with my mates but there comes a point in one’s life where it is time to act your age and also embrace the fact people will look up to you no matter what.
That time is now for our elite sportsman, to send the right message to not only the youth of our Country but all people who watch sport. While on sending a message the last goes out to the venue of the Brownlow Medal, at what point do you decide a person has had enough alcohol? Fevola was clearly heavily drunk but continued to have drinks in his hands. Just because he may be a form of celebrity does not mean the normal rules do not apply.
Tags: 2009 Brownlow Medal, Brendan Fevola
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