If the world is confusing for the millennials just consider how confusing it is for those of us born before 1990.
In 2022 I realized that most of what I had been taught in my formative years was now irrelevant in today’s world. In fact, it could get you in serious trouble.
I was fortunate to be educated at a school that encouraged people to be individuals. Not to follow the flock.
This did not mean the school created a mass of selfish individuals, but it taught us to recognise that everyone is different, and that there is nothing wrong with that. When it was necessary these different individuals would pull together as one as a team and believe it or not it was easier, because there was a mutual respect that already existed.
We were taught to question things. To ask why? To analyse, and offer alternative solutions.
Even in a sporting context we were encouraged to put forward ideas or opinions on how to counter a certain player or team. To share information and thoughts in order to achieve the best outcome for all.
This was never done to undermine the coaches. In fact, looking back with the wisdom of age one appreciates just how good these coaches were as teachers, giving us that opportunity and not having us rely solely on their gameplan.
Regrettably today and in many cases at the highest level such open discussion is simply not an option. Players are told what to do, and if they do not follow those instructions to the letter they will be substituted or dropped. There is no room for a player to back themselves if they see an opportunity.
Would Argentina and France have progressed to the world cup final if such restrictions had been placed on the likes of Mbappe and Messi?
Having the upbringing I did we were also encouraged to speak out if we witnessed things that were wrong. To have the courage to speak up. For we were taught that history shows that many will not speak up when their voice needs to be heard. When the masses fail to speak up it leaves the way open for others to do the wrong thing.
How long were those at the top of FIFA lining their own pockets? How many people spoke up?
Unfortunately, today it is hard to know right from wrong in so many areas because the media perpetrate untruths. Often because those working there are being encouraged to do so in return for “benefits.” It is sad to see what some will do for a free ticket or a free meal.
There is no doubt that the media is not what it used to be. Frequently today there are no bylines on pieces that are written; even though this used to be a regulation. What this means is that people don’t take responsibility for what they write. I do.
It is hard to tell what is true and what isn’t these days with the internet, as clubs and sporting organisations put out their own media in the form of news, when often it is simply propaganda.
Surely this fact alone confirms why it is so important that people ask questions?
This is why it is also important to keep a record of comments or statements made, in order to hold those who made them accountable. Many who make the statements cannot even recall what they said.
Even face-to-face it is hard to know the truth, as one CEO admitted that he would say whatever it took to kill a story.
So where does that leave people who genuinely care and have a passion for the sports they cover or work in?
Should they stop asking questions? Should they stop telling the truth or offering alternative solutions?
Over the past 30 years I have been verbally abused by many. I have been threatened with physical violence, and this year for the first time was threatened with legal action. Some preposterous untruths have been told about me. I have even had a government employee responsible for certain sport call and make threats, following questions being raised over proper Governance that they were supposed to oversee.
Having sat on committees and boards I know what good governance looks like. Having attended a course run by the Australian Institute of Company Directors it was made clear the responsibilities and liabilities of such a position.
Without sports applying the rules and regulations that are laid out in their constitutions you end up with either a dictatorship or anarchy, and neither is good for the sport.
It is like playing a game without anyone ensuring that the rules of competition are adhered to. While some will always do the right thing, as we see with athletes taking performance enhancing drugs there are always those who will do whatever it takes simply to benefit themselves
I have been asked to sign a contract that would require me to not write anything about a sport I was going to commentate on for 18 months. I felt that this was unreasonable as a freelancer. I put forward recommended changes to the contract for discussion, but no follow up has ever come back from that organisation.
Due to not signing this contract as it was I was taken off a job. Others who had not signed the contract were given work; so was this was an attempt to silence me?
In the past year I was prevented from working at two World events despite the broadcasters contacting me and telling me that they wanted me to work for them.
Why are people so afraid of questions, differing opinions, and the truth?
My education taught me the importance of values and holding people accountable in terms of what they say and do. It taught me that by asking questions you are better placed to inform.
Which writers are more credible? Those who ask questions or those who simply pass on what they are spoon-fed?
As 2022 came to a close I found myself asking do I compromise the values that I had instilled in me and which have stood me well all my life, to satisfy what is deemed to be the new way? Or do I stick to my principles?
Having dreamt of playing cricket professionally but having to face the reality that I wasn’t good enough, I have always had the utmost respect for those who do make it to the top of their chosen sport. It has always been a privilege and an honour to commentate on matches that these individuals are involved in. Those who have worked with me know that I will always behave professionally and always do the best job I can. I have always felt that I owe that to the players.
I take immense pride in what I do and am constantly enquiring, listening, reading and learning about different sports to increase my overall knowledge. If a job is worth doing it is worth doing properly, and it deserves your respect. This was another principle that was instilled in me from a very young age and stays with me today.
Having taken up work as a funeral celebrant during the Covid pandemic one thing I have had reinforced when sitting down with the bereaved families is in life the only thing that you can genuinely take to your grave are your principles and values.
I am proud of what I stand for and the fact that I care about the sports I have been fortunate to play, cover or commentate on.
I make no apology for that, and I will continue to try and ensure that those entrusted with safeguarding of each sport’s future continue to act in the best interests of the sport for the present and into the future. For each sport is bigger than all of us and will continue long after we are gone.
I believe that the foundation for good media coverage is to stand up and question and when warranted criticize. Essentially it makes your reporting more credible.
It was the great Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi who said “keep your values positive because your values become your destiny.”
I look forward to continuing to work in this privileged space alongside organisations and individuals who share similar principles.
