The AFL is caught between two non-negotiables - the necessity of taking a moral stance against the offending behaviour and the need to protect a young man with mental health vulnerabilities, writes Jake Niall | OPINION agerealfooty
Last night, Smith and his camp received the positive news that clothing giant Cotton On, which uses the popular player as a brand ambassador, would retain him.AFL Photos
Smith, importantly, fessed up to his sins and he did this almost immediately, admitting to the “illicit substance”, expressing shame and vowing to improve himself. Within several hours of the still photographs of him holding the white powder surfacing, Smith had put out his contrite confession, in concert with the club, killing the video and photographic birds with one stone.Smith, from what one can gather, was again having a tough time on Saturday.
The penalty, in any case, is usually the damage to one’s image/reputation. In Smith’s case, this will be the part that hits hardest, having carved out a unique following that presented him with commercial opportunities.
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