Topical Teaching

Unfortunately sports stars are idolised by children. I say unfortunately, because all too often they let themselves and their followers down by insensitive behaviour and poor decisions.

Take this story from my country, Australia, for example:

A YOUNG girl claims she was told by a St Kilda football player that the club saved themselves for ”hot chicks” and that ”there should be a no fat chicks section” in their contracts.

The girl, who has not been named, said the comments were made last week at Melbourne airport while she was trying to get a photograph for her friend.

She told the Herald Sun she was horrified by the experience.

“Instantly my eyes filled up with tears,” she said.

“Body image and how I look is important, so that comment, coming from someone who is in the public eye, made me feel like a monster.

“Now I think everyone around me is thinking those things.”

And what about this for a lackluster response?

St Kilda’s head of football Chris Pelchen confirmed the club had acted on the incident.

In a statement he said: ”The St Kilda Football Club can confirm we received a complaint from the mother of a young lady alleging comments were made by the players at Melbourne airport on Friday that upset her daughter.

”The Club has spoken to the playing group, and while there is some conjecture about the comments, the Club is mindful that sensitivities need to be respected.

”The family involved have indicated their appreciation for the professional way the St Kilda Football Club has managed the matter.”

The team made a donation to the Butterfly Foundation and also provided a guernsey to the young girl.

The sport’s body (the AFL) should step in and demand stronger consequences. This is beyond unacceptable behaviour.

Click here to join in the discussion on body image and our youth.