Mitchell Pearce

Earlier this week I had a rather strong opinion about Mitchell Pearce and his "Australia Day antics", shall we call them.  I was pretty black and white.  I'm taking it back.

As I sit here in the middle of a black out, going into hour 3 of no power, I have had time to think about life was before social media...  I was pretty damning of his behaviour and how he had bought his family into disrepute..  Guess what?  Flashbulb moment - some of the stuff I got up to in the 90's was pretty...  Interesting..  The difference?  I had no spot light on me. There was no social media so my parents could see what I'd been up to..  I guess I am lucky to have done all my "stupid shit" long before the internet...

True story..  I was out not long ago, a few champers under the belt and some bright spark wanted to take a photo of me and I said "hell no, I work in the corporate world, and that world does not need to see me after a few champagnes".   Aren't I lucky I could say that?  Now, it was only me dancing like a loon (no one need see this.  EVER!!) but I have a right for the world to not see me being a dick.  And guess what?  So does he.  And every other "role model" in Australia, sport or otherwise.

Yes, I agree they get paid shit loads but at what price?  I feel for his parents.  I have met Wayne Pearce a few times over the years and he is the kindest human being.  He doesn't deserve this.  His family don't deserve this.  Mitchell doesn't deserve this.  He is a human being who made a mistake.  A silly, drunken mistake.  Okay, he's made a few but if he was "Mr Normal" would we care? No, we would not.

I think if we are going to pour adulation onto these "stars" then there is a big business out there for someone who can truly educate them.  I don't have the answer on how to do this.  I don't know how we make them understand alcohol and drugs do not maketh the person.  I do know it seems more prevalant in males than females.  Or maybe it isn't.

I think back to how I defended Ricky Ponting in the 90's (early 2000's) after his "Kings Cross encounter.  And how I defended Todd Carney in 2014 (2015?) after his "uh, urination" thing.

If I am grateful for anything it is I am a "no one" in the big scheme of things.  I send dumb text messages after too many wines (I am 44, I have sent many, unfortunately..)..  I have seen photos of "big nights out" that make my eyes water.  The difference?  No one is out for my reputation or blood.  Yes, I am not a "role model" to the world, but I am a role model to others in my industry.  It would pay me to remember that on my next big night out.

I wish you nothing but recovery Mitchell.  I wish you nothing but good things in life.  If every one in my age bracket (over 40, obviously) had pictures and video of the dumb stuff we did, we'd be sunk.  Or at least a lot embarrassed.