Drink-Drug Driving incidents

[Sojourner]

Considering the events of recent times it seems to me that the AFL need to have another look at the way these incidents are dealt with as it seems that incidents like this are not decreasing despite the various education programmes conducted through the individual clubs.

Naturally there is a case for the AFL to simply do nothing and let the police handle matters as they would anyone else. Yet the point to consider is that as much as people say that AFL players are not role models, often it is a different tune from the player when they are in court and looking for leniancy.

My suggestion is that perhaps the AFL need to look at a blanket rule for all AFL listed players that if you are caught drink or drug driving, or in any other other situation concerning guilty proven criminal charges, that the said player is then automatically deregistered from the AFL for 12 months.

Thoughts?

[Hondo]

Haven't thought about the penalties or even thought this through fully, but off the cuff ...

I do wonder if the AFL need to be the adjudicator in these cases, rather than the clubs (or the player "leadership groups"). That way the AFL is seen to be setting the behaviour standards and should, in theory, take the pressure off the clubs when dealing with these issues. This is not to be confused with what the police do.

Clubs will always make examples of the fringe players and make exceptions for the stars

So long as it's not an administrative nightmare

[Punk Rooster]

Considering the events of recent times it seems to me that the AFL need to have another look at the way these incidents are dealt with as it seems that incidents like this are not decreasing despite the various education programmes conducted through the individual clubs.

Naturally there is a case for the AFL to simply do nothing and let the police handle matters as they would anyone else. Yet the point to consider is that as much as people say that AFL players are not role models, often it is a different tune from the player when they are in court and looking for leniancy.

My suggestion is that perhaps the AFL need to look at a blanket rule for all AFL listed players that if you are caught drink or drug driving, or in any other other situation concerning guilty proven criminal charges, that the said player is then automatically deregistered from the AFL for 12 months.

Thoughts?

you make some good points.
Maybe 1st offence- 4 games (1 month)
2nd offence- 12 games (3 months)
3rd offence- season (let's face it, if they get to this point, they're not quick learners)
The players would probably need to sign a release, saying the AFL are able to be informed of offences.
How would this be policed though? Do AFL players have "AFL player" on their D/L?
Then again, plyers are quick to point out they are an AFL player when a drink's card is involved....