Im massively perplexed by people's view on this.
Questioning a penalty after a bloke has laid on the ground for 10 minutes not being able to feel is legs doesnt make a guy a bad guy, but certainly shows a lack of perspective for the moment and I think in the heat of the battle was a mistake, but a very understandable mistake. I was filthy watching live, so there is no benefit of hindsight from me in this.
McKinnon is understandably upset by the whole situation, and his reaction to Smith is extremely natural, why is he not allowed to be upset with Smith and air his grievances.
Why couldnt Smith just say, sorry I upset you mate, didnt meant to, wish I knew I had of and I would have called and apologised earlier. He could even throw in a "at the time I was acting in what I thought was the best interest of my team and lost sight of how that might have made you feel, sorry about that, wasnt my intention"
Smith looks like a champ in this scenario.
Delaying this and blaming 60 minutes has made him feel like he was hard done by. What did 60 minutes really present, that McKinnon was upset with Smith, which he is, which is understandable. 60 minutes didnt create the angst, this angle has been whispered around for at least 12 months without confirmation.
Had Smith responded with empathy, the 60 minutes story probably enhances his reputation.
In my view, his response to the story has actually lowered my opinion of him more than the act itself or the story.
I unfortunately played in game where a bloke broke his neck, it was horrible. On the field most of us knew pretty quickly what had just happened. The stakes were not as high, granted,but it was still a professional game, but no one was worried about football at all at the time, all people were worried about was the bloke on the ground. We called the last 15 minutes off.
Smith doesnt need to apologise for the 60 minutes story, he needs to apologise, because his actions offended a guy who is now paralysed for life, however unintentionally.