AFL hands out big fines for bad language

Friday night's on field war of words between Collingwood coaching staff and St Kilda player Stephen Milne has cost participants dearly: Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse was fined AUD $7,500 (USD $6967), assistant Paul Licuria AUD $3,000 (USD $2787) and Milne AUD $3,000 (USD $2787). Perhaps more important than the fines is Malthouse's admission that his original claim not to have spoken to Milne is untrue, being one of those justifiable little white lies occasionally told by everyone:

When asked (at the press conference) if I was directing comments at St Kilda players or my own players, I chose the latter option basically under the old code of what happens on the field stays on the field.

I'm definitely no Malthouse fan but agree with him here, sort of. Sure coaching staff shouldn't be spouting off to an opposition player and the targeted player shouldn't retaliate but these are men mentally toughened by years of fierce AFL competition and have no doubt been repeatedly sledged by opponents trying to psyche them out. What's said on the field should stay on the field.

AFL management would like to eliminate sledging to make the game more wholesome but this isn't going to happen unless all players are miked and recorded. Then listeners will get to hear player to player comments like, "Golly, you are playing well today!" That'll certainly add some excitement to the game.