Re: Hall of fame - Goodes
Reply #11 –
I think Goodes has paid a heavy price for taking a stand on this issue, which is pretty much always the case when one person takes on deeply entrenched behaviours. I have no doubt he was deeply hurt and upset by these incidents, and if he was in it for himself I'm sure he would have accepted all the accolades that have come his way, rather than turning them down. Whether somewhere along the line he saw an opportunity to start a conversation about racism, and make it more than just about him, I guess we may never know.
I think money has a lot to answer for in this saga, back in the day, greats of all colours and creeds retired gracefully, now for a wallet full of idolatry every game they hang on bitterly!
Personally, I think he stained an otherwise stellar AFL reputation long before in the very end it became about racism, the last few years of his career were really lowest common denominator stuff on field, not conducting himself in a manner fitting a Rolls Royce of the game. Fans don't forget, and they aren't naivé and as easily led as some like to think or paint.
I fear now it's become more lucrative for Adam to be seen a certain way, instead of working at revision and reparation from the inside, he's become an activist. I'm not sure the motives remain so pure.