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Tom Harley hits back at Akermanis

Posted by: 3AW Football | 20 May, 2010 - 9:21 AM

Jason Akermanis and Adam Cooney had big games for the Dogs

UPDATE: The Western Bulldogs have now released a statement via their website to make clear the club's position on gay AFL players:

"The Western Bulldogs are a progressive, community based organisation that prides itself on being inclusive and welcoming," it says.

"Jason Akermanis' article is based on his opinion and by no means does he speak for the Club or AFL players as a whole. The Club does not agree with the views expressed by Jason Akermanis in relation to the potentially negative impact an openly gay footballer would have on a club."

"The intention of Jason's opinion piece was to highlight the issue of homophobia in AFL football, in the hope it would spark debate within the community and provide a catalyst for a change in attitudes."

Meanwhile, the AFL has released a statement now as well (5pm): "Jason Akermanis is entitled to express his opinion but I don't believe it reflects the views of clubs, players and officials involved in the AFL and the broader football community,” AFL boss Andrew Demetriou said.

"Australian football is a game open to any person, regardless of their sexuality, gender, race or religion. We live in a diverse society and I believe the football community reflects that."

"To this end, the AFL Commission last year changed the racial and religious vilification rule to outlaw any vilification of people on the basis of their sexuality or sexual identity, a change that has guided football at all levels. We will continue to promote greater tolerance in our community and reinforce our commitment to making Australian football a game for all."

EARLIER REPORT: Bulldog Jason Akermanis is advising any current gay AFL players to 'stay in the closet', saying the league is not ready for someone to publicly declare their homosexuality.

Writing in the Herald Sun, Akermanis says locker room nudity is still commonplace and he believes it would cause discomfort in that environment should someone declare himself gay.

He goes on to say it could "break the fabric of a club" if a player revealed he was a homosexual.

The comments have sparked criticism from former Geelong Captain Tom Harley, who told Channel Seven 'Aker' is out of touch.

Harley says if there was a Western Bulldogs player who is gay he would be feeling very uncomfortable today.

Blog comments

A little homophobic there
BarryM?
I'm more concerned about opinionated old farts and what positive effects they bring to society.

Caz Sunday 25 July, 2010 - 11:09 AM
I agree with Jason , as an Ex rugby Player I felt uneasy went gay players came into the shower with their Frummy behaviour back then they would get a clip, with the P.C. laws today they get away with it

Wayne Harris Thursday 22 July, 2010 - 6:15 PM
I think a poll to see how much support Aka actually has would be interesting. At present all we read is the politically correct propaganda from twits like Demetriou and others who have the unfair advantage of overwhelming media access. Whats a bet the poll would favour Aka - or is everyone too scared to face the possibility that Aka merely said what most people really think ?

Nod Sunday 23 May, 2010 - 3:52 PM
I thought AFL players were ALL gay (tee hee). All that bum patting and cuddles when they score, and ruffling up each other's hair......not to mention all those showers together. Come on now...maybe they shouldn't ALL come out or they might have to change the name of the game.

norma Sunday 23 May, 2010 - 1:37 PM
i have no problems with gays but the afl should not encourage them to play afl they have no place in our game.

warren Saturday 22 May, 2010 - 5:58 PM
Jason has an opinion. Like me and you and Tom. Thats about it.

Ben Friday 21 May, 2010 - 10:56 PM