It's very easy at times to join the hungry pack torching AFL umpires for on-field mis-steps. I've been part of it in the past.
I won't be joining in this time as fans and selected media line up to question Nick Foot, the ump at the centre of the Zak Butters controversy.
Why? I know Foot personally. I've worked with him as he's juggled media and umpiring commitments.
His integrity can not be questioned. Those attacking him on social media for working at both Sportsbet and the AFL as an umpire are ill-informed and delusional.
Foot is a passionate racing analyst with a big future in that area. Not once in any of his commitments with Sportsbet has he strayed into the area of footy.
He is a horse racing-only operator. Much like Sydney's Tom Papley, who is a racing lover and shrewd tipster.
There is zero crossover for Foot between betting and umpiring and he has been meticulous in keeping it that way.
As a regular with him on radio Sport 927, Foot was meticulous in separating the two and ultra professional when I occasionally grilled him on umpiring matters.
All of these appearances were ticked off by the AFL - as was his gig at Sportsbet, which was given the green light by the league in the pre-season of 2025.
If anyone has any problems with Foot's dual roles and the perceived perception it creates, they should direct their anger at the AFL - not Foot. He sought the league's approval and was given it.
He is allowed an interest outside of umpiring, surely. And with it comes a flourishing career path.
I don't know Butters personally, but by all accounts he's a fine individual, too.
We're heading for another case of he said/he said at the tribunal and this is messy for the AFL.
Perhaps there was a misunderstanding, and the lack of clear audio, helps nobody.
It might always be a mystery.
But what I do know is Foot is a person of character and integrity who doesn't deserve this pile on.
