Once someone is dead and gone, can anything be achieved by speaking ill of them? Regardless of how shit someone is in life only psychotics, idiots or folks with a damn good reason should disrespect them in death. Under which category does Jason Akermanis fall, I wonder?
The former AFL player and noted loudmouthed tool has shared his thoughts on the recently departed Jim Stynes who lost his battle with cancer this Tuesday. Stynes, a former player who was Melbourne Football Club President at the time of his death, is being honoured with a State funeral next week – which isn’t all that surprisingly considering the religious-like worship of AFL in Victoria. “Overkill,” says Akermanis.
In an interview with Queensland radio station Mix 92.7FM today he told the hosts that Stynes “was a nasty man in his day. He had a nice turn of phrase and he made sure you knew how he felt. What amazes me is yes, he was a legend of the game and did a great job and wonderful things with kids, but you know there are a bunch of people who have done just as much who don’t get any recognition. I just think it’s a bit out of kilter.”
Nice one Aker, you dickhead. See! Calling someone a “dickhead” when they’re still kicking is perfectly fine, when warranted. But to speak ill of someone who isn’t around to defend themselves, a person with people who love them, and a person who is no more? Charmless.
Okay guys, once your douche-activated chills subside, please cast your vote here:
UPDATE (23 March) Akermanis issued a statement apologising for his comments:
Firstly, I want to apologise wholeheartedly for my inappropriate words this morning, regarding Jim Stynes. I am truly sorry for the ill feeling I have caused. In reality, my feelings are quite the opposite and I just didn’t express my thoughts, feelings and words very well.
I deeply apologise to the Stynes family, the public and everyone involved with Jim throughout his life. I would like to take this opportunity to clarify my true thoughts, and I hope that you will forgive my stupidity and insensitivity displayed in not expressing my thoughts properly, and therefore my words have been taken out of context.
My mother passed away in 1997, aged 41, from a cancerous brain tumour. I know only too well the pain of seeing a loved one taken too soon. I have the utmost respect for Jim and what he did for others. What I was trying to get across in the interview is: how does the government decide who gets a state funeral and praised for their hard work? Even though Jim did some amazing things, many other people do too. I was purely stating that there are more people who deserve as much credit as Jim for doing great things for the community.
In regard to the reference of Jim being a ?nasty? person, Jim was competitive, aggressive and “nasty” on the battlefield of AFL Footy, and these are all the things I loved about him. When I said the word “nasty”, I was referring to the year 2000 when Jim was fighting against his own country. He wanted to win more than anyone, I thought that was great and it?s what I loved about the man.
Jim was like all of us and was dealt a massive blow. But the reality is, he is like every other human being who?s gone through extremely tough times. I was the recipient of the Jim Stynes Medal in 1999 and it is something I treasure amongst my football achievements.
I want to reiterate that my comments in regard to Jim have been taken entirely out of context – and again, I apologise. I did not in any way mean to offend. Ultimately, I have nothing but admiration for Jim and respect for himself and his family.
Sorry – Aker.
Because of his initial comments, the Moonee Valley Football Club is reviewing its decision to let Akermanis play in the Essendon District Football League season opener.
Via Daily Telegraph
