Lloyd's confusion over Tribunal act

Matthew Lloyd, a former Australian Rules Football (AFL) player and current commentator for Channel 7's coverage of the AFL, has expressed his view that the AFL should eliminate the use of character references in mitigating the suspensions handed down to players. This controversy stems from recent incidents where players have successfully appealed their suspensions by presenting compelling character references that have swayed the decision of the tribunal.

The AFL Tribunal is an independent body responsible for hearing and determining appeals against decisions made by match review officers regarding on-field misconduct by players. The tribunal has the power to reduce suspensions based on mitigating circumstances presented during the appeal process. Character references are one of the pieces of evidence that can be presented to the tribunal in mitigation of a player's actions.

One notable example of this occurred in 2020 when Essendon's Devon Smith was suspended for two matches for striking an opponent during a game. Smith's legal team presented a character reference from former Australian of the Year and mental health advocate, Rosie Batty, who spoke about his positive impact on the community and his dedication to mental health awareness. The tribunal reduced Smith's suspension from two games to one, citing his good character as a mitigating factor.

Another instance involved Geelong's Tom Hawkins, who was suspended for one match for striking an opponent in 2019. Hawkins' legal team presented a character reference from former Australian of the Year and human rights advocate, Rosie Batty, who spoke about his extensive work in the community and his commitment to various charitable causes. The tribunal reduced Hawkins' suspension from two matches to one.

These cases have sparked debate among fans, pundits, and former players about the fairness and effectiveness of using character references in the tribunal process. Critics argue that allowing character references to influence suspensions undermines the consistency and impartiality of the tribunal system and potentially rewards bad behavior if players have strong support networks or are involved in community work.

Lloyd's stance is that the AFL should eliminate the use of character references in mitigating suspensions to maintain fairness and consistency in the tribunal process. He believes that players should be held accountable for their actions on the field without consideration of their off-field contributions or personal circumstances.

The AFL has not yet responded publicly to Lloyd's comments, but the issue is likely to be a topic of discussion in the lead-up to the 2023 season. The debate surrounding character references and their role in the tribunal process highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing the need for accountability with the importance of community engagement and personal development in professional sports.