It seems in recent times our sport stars can do nothing wrong without it becoming public knowledge. In the past couple of years we have witnessed some Australia’s most beloved sporting personalities under the spotlight for public discrepancies. Brendan Fevola, Brett Stewart, Wayne Carey and Ben Cousins are just some names that have been sprawled across the back pages of our daily tabloids for all the wrong reasons. But when these individuals do stuff up, are we too harsh? Or are we too quick to forgive?
An article by Lanai Vasek for The Australian on 6 November details the announcement of a comeback to television for disgraced former NRL champion and TV personality Matthew Johns. Earlier this year Johns found himself in hot water when it was reported he had been involved in an incident in New Zealand involving a woman and several other teammates. Johns consequently lost his contract with Channel Nine and had to endure public humiliation as a result.
Whether you agreed with the morals of his actions or not, Johns certainly paid a hefty price. There’s no arguing that his and the actions of many other sports stars are stupid, despicable even. However, when an ordinary citizen messes up in the same fashion, nobody other than those close to him or her hear a word. So should these personalities be given second chances in the media after paying a heavier price than anyone else would? Or should their place in the public eye be enough to act as a constant reminder that they should be on their best behaviour at all times? Other issues come into it as well such as these people are targeted and provoked into behaving badly. And it could be discussed at great length whether the pressures of living a very public lifestyle is simply too much for some to handle. Whatever the case it is certain that a comeback to television such as Johns’ will prompt much discussion. I guess at the end of the day, TV ratings will answer some of these questions for us.
Article Source: Matthew Johns to return in television venture with John Singleton
Image Source: Sydney Morning Herald
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