I Bleed Maroon
Referee
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This debate has taken a regrettable turn in recent times.
http://www.triplem.com.au/sydney/sp...ermans-brother-calls-for-shoulder-charge-ban/
Now look, I feel for the Ackermans as much as the next person, what they're going through is horrible and I wouldn't wish it on anyone, but I really can't respect using a heavily emotional issue to try and make a cheap point in a heated debate. I'm sorry but one plane crash doesn't make for a ban on planes.
James is one tragedy in over a century of football.
http://www.triplem.com.au/sydney/sp...ermans-brother-calls-for-shoulder-charge-ban/
It was an absolutely tragic set of circumstances when 25-year-old Sunshine Coast Falcons front-rower and father-of-two James Ackerman passed away on the 22nd of June, suffering fatal head injuries from a shoulder charge during a Queensland Cup match in Brisbane.
Triple M's Mark Geyer and Matthew Johns believe it's time we accept the fact that the shoulder charge is gone for good - and to reject calls from some sections of the rugby league community that the shoulder charge should return despite the dangers.
"In my opinion it's a debate that's frivolous and insensitive - the shoulder charge was banned in the first place after medical experts told the NRL it was dangerous and it was a tragedy in the making - [and] just over a month ago that tragedy occurred," said Matty.
Andrew Ackerman, the brother of James Ackerman, told Triple M Sydney's Grill Team the death of his brother is an example of what can happen when the shoulder charge goes wrong.
"I think people forget the shoulder charge was outlawed two or three years ago and at the time... I wasn't agreeing with it either because it was a part of James' game as well [but] my brother is an example of what can happen with the shoulder charge," said Andrew.
"How does it make you [and] your parents feel when they see rugby league experts coming out and saying 'bring the shoulder charge back, the game needs it'?" asked Matty.
"It's very disappointing and we're hurt, we're still grieving, it's six weeks ago and I didn't see the game the other night [but] I've seen the tackle [on Sam Kasiano] and you've got Channel Nine commentators saying 'bring it back' - I couldn't believe it," said Andrew.
"We never thought that rugby league could do this, we never thought that someone could die from playing a sport you loved and we've got nothing against the game but people who're saying the shoulder charge is what makes rugby league, they're kidding themselves." Listen to the full audio below.
Now look, I feel for the Ackermans as much as the next person, what they're going through is horrible and I wouldn't wish it on anyone, but I really can't respect using a heavily emotional issue to try and make a cheap point in a heated debate. I'm sorry but one plane crash doesn't make for a ban on planes.
James is one tragedy in over a century of football.