Willie Mason may have apologized for humiliating 2GB journalist Michelle Keighran but his image is deservedly tarnished.
On the field, Mason is an inspirational player and natural leader. But being a member of the national team also carries off field responsibilities regarding acceptable behaviour. Even if Mason did have a problem with 2GB, taking it out on a reporter trying to do her job was cowardly, not just immature.
League Unlimited, some comments in a lengthy thread along the lines of she was a “foolish woman’, “what a whinger”, “precious” and to “harden the f**k up” carry an unfortunate subtext of disturbing attitudes to women.
And why should she have to “harden the f**k up?” Why not the opposite where players treat people with respect and show a little humility when performing their off field duties? Fortunately, there are quite a few players who, while tough on the field, do have a sensible head on their shoulders and are a credit to the their clubs and the game. Alas they do not receive the attention that a serial apologist such as Mason garners.
It is disturbing that he is even being mentioned as a possible future captain. But the NRL will not take any reasonable action against Mason and the game is poorer for it.
1 response so far ↓
Five // Apr 16, 2007 at 10:21 pm
Hmm, future captain. About as intelligent as picking Lance Whitnall’s brother, I think.
Mason has been at the centre of numerous drunken binges and harassment allegations (the night lurching around Central Station amongst the commuters at 7am after having spent the night sexually harassing women springs to mind). This is just the final straw.
And yes, why should she ‘harden up’? Since when does anyone, in any role, have to endure bullying and abuse?