Iconic AFL journalist Mike Sheahan believes Collingwood should let the playing group decide the penalty for troubled youngster Jordan De Goey after he was caught drink driving on Saturday night with a blood alcohol level of nearly two times the legal limit.
As confirmed on SEN Breakfast by the AFL Players' Association this morning, Collingwood has the option of fining the player up to $10,000 dollars if they determine that he has breached the player's code for the second time.
Sheahan however believes that a more novel approach should be taken into consideration.
โI would try something novel. Iโd throw him at the mercy of his playing group. The peer group pressure is the ultimate pressure," Sheahan said.
โIโm saying you get the 45 players in and say โyouโre representing your footy club here midweek, as distinct to on a match dayโ, this blokeโs done the wrong thing.
"We donโt want him not playing because heโs too important to us, you tell us what you think we should do to sanction him.โ
โItโs a conundrum. Thereโs no doubt about that.
โHeโs a very good player this kid."
Increasing the suspension might not do any good for De Goey, after his second indiscretion in consecutive seasons.
โHeโs got to learn like the rest of us do that you canโt drink and drive, and five weeks out from the season this is a major issue,โ Sheahan said.
โMaybe itโs a major health issue for him.
โJust saying โrighto we gave you two weeks last time, weโre going to give you four next timeโ. Iโm not sure thatโs the solution.โ
Sheahan also believes that a community based sanction might work for De Goey, with the Pies having a great track record with social work punishments.
Although Sheahan is a massive critic of these sort of suspensions, a one day a week sanction that see's him work with the homeless might work best for the 21-year-old.
โIf in fact he were told that he had to spend his season โ one day a week attending to the homeless, Collingwood have a good record on that social front,โ he said.
โIf he were made to do that, I would accept that.โ
