Oh boy, Billy Slater
March 23rd 2010 02:51
VYOOS EDITORIAL
There is an impression, reading the comments and opinions about Billy Slater's sledge on Saturday, that there are two distinct codes of thinking here.
Billy Slater is a sporting god. He is probably the best rugby league player in the world, he has been named Australia's Greatest Athlete twice, he has good looks and a grin of impish charm, he has wealth and he is still only 26.
He also has, along with all public figures, a responsibility as a role model.
On Saturday night, in the heat of battle in a season-opening game between Melbourne Storm and Newcastle Knights, Slater failed his role model responsibility. Getting up close and uncomfortable with an opposition player who had taken time out of the game last year suffering depression, Slater invited him to "Go to your room and cry."
You don't play professional sport and expect to be treated like a vicar's wife at a tea party. You play with competitive fierceness. You play for your team and for your livelihood. Impose or be imposed upon. Swim or sink.
But there are codes, written and unwritten, which define lines which should not be crossed. Try putting your opponent off their game by referring to their race, sexuality or religion, for example, and you are off limits.
Slater was off limits, and was duly reprimanded for it. Well, technically, he wasn't, as it turns out the codes of behaviour of professional rugby league in Australia do not specifically cover someone insulting you on mental health grounds. But Slater was asked to report to authorities, and they had a chat, and then Slater apologised to the opponent, and his team captain apologised to the fans, and Slater issued two public statements of regret.
None of which was convincing.
“I overstepped the mark with a flippant comment,” Slater said. “What was said was insensitive given what (he) has been through over the past 18 months.''
Slater vowed to stop sledging opponents in future.
His captain, Cameron Smith, said, “I really didn't know it was going to be as big as it was. Thankfully, Bill's come out and realised that what was said was the wrong thing and that depression is a serious illness.
“Obviously, he won't be saying anything more like that on the field if he says anything at all. I think we're quite sensible enough to know that what Billy said … during the game was wrong. We can learn from that, hopefully.''
One is left with the impression that Slater and Smith have done what needed to be done. Or, at least, their media teams have. Now let’s all move on. For the gifted and privileged amongst us, that means back to the sports field, where talent and hard work make you a star and a comfortable living.
They do not, however, make you a man.
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