MELBOURNE RESPOND TO MCKINNON MEDIA STORM

[Geo]

MELBOURNE RESPOND TO MCKINNON MEDIA STORM
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Written by MARK ST JOHN, July 5, 2015
THE Melbourne Storm have released a statement in response to media reports surrounding Cameron Smith’s on field actions following the tackle that ended Alex McKinnon’s career.
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McKinnon’s camp is believed to be extremely disappointed with the Kangaroos captain and his conduct following the tackle that put McKinnon in a wheelchair.

It is alleged **Cameron Smith believed McKinnon was responsible for contributing to the tackle and protested to the referees as McKinnon lay on the ground.**

The Storm today responded in their statement:

The Melbourne Storm today reiterate that its thoughts and best wishes remain with Alex McKinnon for his continued recovery. His story continues to inspire the rugby league community.

In relation to specific references regarding our club in media reports published today, Storm would like to make the following points:

1\. At the time of this tragic accident, no one on the field had any idea of the severity of the injury Alex had suffered. All at Storm and especially the playing group were shocked and horrified to learn of Alex’s injuries in the days after the event.

2\. Storm players led by captain Cameron Smith requested to visit Alex in hospital numerous times while he was in Melbourne. The requests were declined which was totally understandable given Alex needed to focus on the initial stages of his recovery.
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3\. Storm’s Football Director continued to liaise with his Newcastle equivalent regarding the right time for club players to contact Alex in the weeks and months after the incident.

4\. Cameron Smith was proud to launch the #riseforalex round last year alongside Paul Gallen, as well as to wear Alex’s jersey number at Storm’s game in Melbourne in the same round. Storm’s fans raised more than $20,000 for Alex that day alone.

The Storm sincerely wishes Alex and his family all the absolute best for his continued recovery.

Tonight 60 minutes will dedicate its entire program to the Alex McKinnon story and the Storm and their skipper are believed to be in the firing line for their actions throughout the tragic incident.

http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/melbourne-respond-mckinnon-media-storm/

 

[Geo]

Cameron Smith,,,hmmmmmmm

 

[dazza65]

Said it before and will say it again
One of the most over rated footballer's in recent memory and an over rated person ( and yes I know him…)

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[Tiger_Watto]

Every captain would try to play the incident down at the time it happened… He was only trying to not get a penalty against his team and keep his player on the park.

Would've happened 10 times this weekend.

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[cqtiger]

Every captain would try to play the incident down at the time it happened… He was only trying to not get a penalty against his team and keep his player on the park.

Would've happened 10 times this weekend.

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It's a bit more than that Watto

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[Tiger_Watto]

Every captain would try to play the incident down at the time it happened… He was only trying to not get a penalty against his team and keep his player on the park.

Would've happened 10 times this weekend.

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It's a bit more than that Watto

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No its not… Its nothing more.

Farah would've done the same thing!

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[marzie]

Yeah but smith was still arguing the call even after McKinnon left the field. Pretty sure you could tell how serious the injury was as soon as it happened. Watch the interview tonight

 

[Yossarian]

Yes I think it was pretty clear after a minute or so that it was a very serious injury and the penalty wouldn't be a concern anymore. Besides apparently Smith still holds the view that McKinnon was responsible for what happened. Personally I think it folds into Melbourne's win at all costs and bugger what anyone else thinks attitude. We saw it in their reaction to the salary cap cheating. They didn't feel embarrassed for a second, just angry they'd been sprung.

 

[Flippedy]

Every captain would try to play the incident down at the time it happened… He was only trying to not get a penalty against his team and keep his player on the park.

Would've happened 10 times this weekend.

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This **^** Smith didn't know the severity of McKinnon's injury at the time he was arguing with the ref about the tackle. As Watto said, every captain would do their very best to avoid being penalised if possible - I would be disappointed if they didn't.

 

[alexaki]

We all know the PERSON that C.Smith is….does he have regrets...highly doubt it.

 

[Geo]

Why do Melbourne need to come out an defend it,,,,?

 

[Tiger_Watto]

Why do Melbourne need to come out an defend it,,,,?

Warning shot to the executives of 60 Minutes?

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[GNR4LIFE]

Mckinnon contributed by trying to roll through.

 

[Geo]

Why do Melbourne need to come out an defend it,,,,?

Warning shot to the executives of 60 Minutes?

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Yet not one of their points refute the claim…odd,,,

 

[Tiger_Watto]

Why do Melbourne need to come out an defend it,,,,?

Warning shot to the executives of 60 Minutes?

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Yet not one of their points refute the claim…odd,,,

They probably see it as a PR nightmare?

Lets face it, emotional attachment to the outcome will superscede the fact this was an accident and Smith's actions are no different to any other captain in the NRL.

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[Black_n_White]

While the outcome was an accident Watto, if you re-watch the game you will notice lifting players both feet off the ground to have the tackle called complete, was abnormally common that game by the Storm players.

Sounds like a tin foil moment, but honestly it had to be a tactic to lift to control the ruck, they were even penalised prior to Alex's incident for it yet continued on with it. The Storm have alot to answer for and should be feeling the pressure.

 

[underdog]

This is going to sound horrible - however it screams to me that Alex McKinnon is desperately trying to remain relevant. You don't see Simon Dwyer and Taniela Tuiaki pulling stunts like this.

Alex has his future secured. We know what happened. He may well walk again if he keeps to he rehabilitation. The constant re-visit of this unfortunate situation by the man himself is now starting to wear thin.

Remember, this is the same Alex McKinnon who effectively cornered his girlfriend in a public position when he proposed to her, ensuring that she really couldn't say no.

I'm done rising for Alex, sorry.

 

[innsaneink]

^^ sounds.pretty low to me^^

Imo this has all.coincided.with McKinnons visit.to blues training…it's an origin thing

 

[Tiger_Watto]

^^ sounds.pretty low to me^^

Imo this has all.coincided.with McKinnons visit.to blues training…it's an origin thing

Gyngell & Politis are best buddy's?

The media have been hounding Smith all day while in camp.

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[GNR4LIFE]

The media exploiting a mans life changing injury to use as hype for an Origin decider? Well i never.

I'm with UD, i hope he makes a recovery, but if anyone has a right to feel bitter about the way he's been treated its Dwyer. The NRL has bent over backwards helping McKinnon, and quite rightly, but don't let the media treat you like a puppet for their own gain.