Respected AFL journalist Caroline Wilson has publicly criticized Geelong and player Bailey Smith for their recent conduct, labeling Smith a “selfish brat” and condemning the club’s response as “pathetic.” The controversy erupted following the club’s end-of-season celebrations, where Smith’s actions on social media drew significant backlash.
Wilson, known for her candid commentary, expressed her disapproval in a column titled “Bailey Smith’s social media post about me was insulting and sexist. How dare he?” published in The Age. She described Smith as a “season-long ticking time bomb” who finally “exploded” during the club’s Mad Monday festivities.
Controversial Social Media Posts
The incident in question involved Smith’s Instagram posts from the event, which have since been removed. During the festivities, Smith’s teammate Max Holmes dressed as Wilson, while Smith’s posts included content that Wilson found offensive. The journalist revealed that it was her daughter who deciphered the offensive emoji that prompted her to speak out.
Geelong responded with a public apology, acknowledging that “certain costumes and associated social media posts were inappropriate and a significant error of judgement.” The club announced that future post-season events would be altered to prevent similar issues, emphasizing a commitment to educating their members on community standards.
Geelong’s Response Under Scrutiny
Wilson also criticized Geelong’s leadership, particularly chief Steve Hocking, for their lack of immediate action. She noted that the club’s apology came after two days of deliberation and lacked personal accountability, as no individual signed the statement.
“Frankly, it was a pathetic response which completely missed the point,” Wilson wrote, highlighting the inadequacy of the club’s reaction.
She further addressed the complexity of discussing AFL players’ behavior in the context of mental health, acknowledging Smith’s public struggles but emphasizing the broader impact of his actions. Wilson accused Smith of offending both the gay community and women in the industry with his posts.
Industry Reaction and Broader Implications
Wilson’s criticism extends beyond Smith and Geelong, touching on the broader cultural issues within the AFL. She noted that the incident was not merely a case of professional outrage but a significant issue affecting aspiring females in the media and the sports industry.
“How dare Smith get away with sending such an insulting and sexist message to aspiring females with strong opinions working in the media or elsewhere in the AFL,” Wilson stated.
She also acknowledged Holmes’ apology for his costume, which she did not find as problematic, but reiterated her concern over Smith’s social media activity.
Looking Forward
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the culture within AFL clubs and the responsibility of players and management to uphold community standards. Geelong’s commitment to revising their post-season celebrations is a step towards addressing these issues, but the incident highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing tradition with modern expectations.
As the AFL community continues to navigate these complex issues, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and respect within the sport.
