Eric Bristow having a mare...

[Exile]

Bristow will soon be joining fellow dinosaurs like Andy Gray, Richard Keys, Martin Fitzmaurice, Ron Atkinson and Rodney Marsh on the "Banished" list of sports presenters.

Is there an Al Jazeera Darts channel?

 

[Pretty pink fairy]

Putting to one side for a moment, whether he is an abhorrent man, misunderstood or just a mistaken drunken tweet, have we come to the point where there is absolutely no room for individual opinions, beyond TV networks demanding it from their employees, which is slightly another matter.

It seems to me even if I cared about celeberity that I quite like hearing the real opinion, even if I disagree or find it quite bewildering, I am rarely offended.

Bristow is an ex champion dart player, historically relevent one too, no more really, even with the weight of this issue I am quite glad not everyone blurts out the normal sanctimonious drivel that they know is demanded even if they hold a totally different view.

a bit like NSC
regards
DR

 

[Psychobilly freakout]

Ex-darts world champion Eric Bristow has apologised for suggesting football sex abuse victims are not "proper men".

Bristow had posted on Twitter that darts players were "tough guys" and footballers "wimps".
In a heated interview with host Piers Morgan on ITV's Good Morning Britain, Bristow initially defended his tweets, saying he was trying to encourage children to report abuse immediately.
He later accepted he had offended people and said: "I am sorry for that."
Bristow added: "I apologise, it was mis-worded. They are not wimps."

In a statement issued later on Wednesday, Bristow described himself as a "bull in a China shop" and said he now "appreciated my wording was wrong and offended many people".
"It makes me furious to think that an abuser can get away with it for so long, and to so many, when they should always be looking over their shoulder in fear, waiting to be confronted," he said.
"I know why I've been vilified but if one child comes forward quicker or one abuser thinks twice about the likelihood of being confronted then it will have been worth it."
The 59-year-old was dropped by Sky Sports on Tuesday after asking why victims did not "sort out" their abusers "when they got older and fitter".

Newcastle United said they had dropped Bristow "immediately" from a scheduled appearance at St James' Park on 6 December and "will not work with Eric Bristow in the future".
His manager asked for a £5,000 fee for Bristow to appear on the BBC to discuss his comments. GMB said it didn't disclose guest contracts - and Bristow later said any money received would be donated to charity.

 

[Thunder Bolt]

Putting to one side for a moment, whether he is an abhorrent man, misunderstood or just a mistaken drunken tweet, have we come to the point where there is absolutely no room for individual opinions, beyond TV networks demanding it from their employees, which is slightly another matter.

It seems to me even if I cared about celeberity that I quite like hearing the real opinion, even if I disagree or find it quite bewildering, I am rarely offended.

Bristow is an ex champion dart player, historically relevent one too, no more really, even with the weight of this issue I am quite glad not everyone blurts out the normal sanctimonious drivel that they know is demanded even if they hold a totally different view.

Sanctimonious drivel? Ok.

 

[Theatre of Trees]

Putting to one side for a moment, whether he is an abhorrent man, misunderstood or just a mistaken drunken tweet, have we come to the point where there is absolutely no room for individual opinions, beyond TV networks demanding it from their employees, which is slightly another matter.

It seems to me even if I cared about celeberity that I quite like hearing the real opinion, even if I disagree or find it quite bewildering, I am rarely offended.

Bristow is an ex champion dart player, historically relevent one too, no more really, even with the weight of this issue I am quite glad not everyone blurts out the normal sanctimonious drivel that they know is demanded even if they hold a totally different view.

One of the footballers abused by Barry Bennell found Bristow's tweet offensive. Should he put up with it because it is a different view?

 

[BigGully]

One of the footballers abused by Barry Bennell found Bristow's tweet offensive. Should he put up with it because it is a different view?

No you have it the wrong way round, I didnt say people wouldnt find it offensive, I said that at least we know whether to agree or disagree, like or dislike someone for what they genuinely think rather than what they feel they should tweet.

 

[BigGully]

Sanctimonious drivel? Ok.

Yes, not necessarily on this particular issue, but it seems there is a general social consensus that only allow certain reactions to certain things and anything outside of its current remit is deemed unworthy, offensive and offers an immediate personal and financial sanctions to those that might have uttered views contrary to that.

 

[Thunder Bolt]

Yes, not necessarily on this particular issue, but it seems there is a general social consensus that only allow certain reactions to certain things and anything outside of its current remit is deemed unworthy, offensive and offers an immediate personal and financial sanctions to those that might have uttered views contrary to that.

That's called society. Most people do agree with what is acceptable and what isn't. That's how you bring kids up.

 

[Theatre of Trees]

No you have it the wrong way round, I didnt say people wouldnt find it offensive, I said that at least we know whether to agree or disagree, like or dislike someone for what they genuinely think rather than what they feel they should tweet.

But what about the people he was tweeting about? By putting it in the public domain there is a chance they will pick up on it, unless of course you are quite happy for someone to publically call you a wimp because you didn't act a certain way when you were 13.

 

[Ninja Elephant]

This feels a little bit like the Richard Keys and Andy Gray situation from a few years ago, I really couldn't care less what these people think about the world. If Eric Bristow thinks that these guys should have spoken up earlier, or revisited the guy when they were older, that's his opinion. I think he's over simplifying it in a significant way, but he's entitled to think whatever he wants to and also, free speech, he's entitled to Tweet it as well if he wants to. I really don't care what Eric Bristow thinks about any aspect of society, but when I'm watching darts I want to hear from actual experts and it's a shame that he won't be doing the commentary anymore. Like Keys and Gray, he is very well versed in his chosen sport and I liked watching them talking about football without caring even just for a moment about what they think about anything else.

 

[Theatre of Trees]

This feels a little bit like the Richard Keys and Andy Gray situation from a few years ago, I really couldn't care less what these people think about the world. If Eric Bristow thinks that these guys should have spoken up earlier, or revisited the guy when they were older, that's his opinion. I think he's over simplifying it in a significant way, but he's entitled to think whatever he wants to and also, free speech, he's entitled to Tweet it as well if he wants to. I really don't care what Eric Bristow thinks about any aspect of society, but when I'm watching darts I want to hear from actual experts and it's a shame that he won't be doing the commentary anymore. Like Keys and Gray, he is very well versed in his chosen sport and I liked watching them talking about football without caring even just for a moment about what they think about anything else.

What about the four men he was commenting on? Should they accept putting his thoughts in the public domain?

 

[Thunder Bolt]

This feels a little bit like the Richard Keys and Andy Gray situation from a few years ago, I really couldn't care less what these people think about the world. If Eric Bristow thinks that these guys should have spoken up earlier, or revisited the guy when they were older, that's his opinion. I think he's over simplifying it in a significant way, but he's entitled to think whatever he wants to and also, free speech, he's entitled to Tweet it as well if he wants to. I really don't care what Eric Bristow thinks about any aspect of society, but when I'm watching darts I want to hear from actual experts and it's a shame that he won't be doing the commentary anymore. Like Keys and Gray, he is very well versed in his chosen sport and I liked watching them talking about football without caring even just for a moment about what they think about anything else.

He's used his free speech as he's entitled to do. Now he has to accept the consequences of his opinions.

 

[El Presidente]

Like Keys and Gray, he is very well versed in his chosen sport and I liked watching them talking about football without caring even just for a moment about what they think about anything else.

As much as I'm cautious do join in with the lynch mob in relation to Bristow, if you say something in public then you are presenting a part of yourself there, and others will form an opinion on your character as a result.

I think it is very difficult to separate public v private persona once you are interviewed or commentate on social media about a topic. Otherwise it would effectively mean that if Andy Gray said that he liked the idea of having sex with 6 year old girls, it's okay so long as he knows the offside rule properly when discussing the latest Super Sunday football fest of Burnley v Sunderland. Personally I wouldn't feel any desire to listen to him, although if the alternative was Alan Green on the tellybox I would be in #TeamGray.

 

[Ninja Elephant]

What about the four men he was commenting on? Should they accept putting his thoughts in the public domain?

Well, yes. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, whether they like it or not. He isn't saying anything that a lot of other people have said. If they choose to focus on the people who think as Bristow does, rather than the majority of people who have been supportive and understanding, that's their prerogative but personally, I think the general reaction has been really positive and supportive.

He's used his free speech as he's entitled to do. Now he has to accept the consequences of his opinions.

Absolutely he does, if you're bold enough to speak you have to be prepared to accept the consequences. But should we really expect/demand or even want a society where opposing points of view aren't shared? Whether they are popular opinions, or not? Personally, I don't think censorship is the way forward - however stupid or disagreeable someone's opinion is, we all have the right to form our own opinions.

As much as I'm cautious do join in with the lynch mob in relation to Bristow, if you say something in public then you are presenting a part of yourself there, and others will form an opinion on your character as a result.

I think it is very difficult to separate public v private persona once you are interviewed or commentate on social media about a topic. Otherwise it would effectively mean that if Andy Gray said that he liked the idea of having sex with 6 year old girls, it's okay so long as he knows the offside rule properly when discussing the latest Super Sunday football fest of Burnley v Sunderland. Personally I wouldn't feel any desire to listen to him, although if the alternative was Alan Green on the tellybox I would be in #TeamGray.

I agree, and it's quite clear that Eric Bristow is an old fashioned dinosaur of a man - but that's not really anything new or that I didn't expect. Do I want to hear him commentating on darts? Yes. Do I want to go for a pint with him down a pub? Absolutely not. And that was the opinion BEFORE these comments.

It's a very extreme comparison to make, but I take your point. And Burnley vs Sunderland is a very good shout for worst possible Super Sunday fixture.

 

[fat old seagull]

I haven't read too much of Eric's tweets, though I understand he may well have overstepped the mark. But I'd say I do understand (as a previous poster mentioned) that in his view, and it had happened to him. He'd have likely, (on becoming physically able) paid his abuser a visit.....
As I understand some suggestions are that 'rape' was involved, which is bloody horrendous, and seriously disturbing.

Well, impossible to say, I guess. But if I'd been one of these unfortunate kids, rightly or wrongly I too may well have considered a visit was in order......not saying that's the right thing to do, just being honest!

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

At Ascot once some blokes from bermondsey were doing pinches of Charlie off of their hands , Jones grassed them to the old Bill, when confronted by one of the blokes afterwards Jones completely melted , absolutely shit himself.

He grassed as couple of chaps for Charlie? What a tosser.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

If your phone being unlocked, twitter app opened, 133 character tweet written and sent, all whilst in your pocket constitutes a successful get out then yeah.

It's the excuse I use. Do people really think its actually me who posts nonsense every day?

 

[alfredmizen]

He grassed as couple of chaps for Charlie? What a tosser.

Yes mate , why would you ? You got back to the fatherland OK then

 

[Easy 10]

I haven't read too much of Eric's tweets, though I understand he may well have overstepped the mark. But I'd say I do understand (as a previous poster mentioned) that in his view, and it had happened to him. He'd have likely, (on becoming physically able) paid his abuser a visit.....
As I understand some suggestions are that 'rape' was involved, which is bloody horrendous, and seriously disturbing.

Well, impossible to say, I guess. But if I'd been one of these unfortunate kids, rightly or wrongly I too may well have considered a visit was in order......not saying that's the right thing to do, just being honest!

Its a sentiment that some can certainly relate to, and maybe if he'd just left it at that, then little (if anything) would've been said.

What went beyond the mark was when he said that the footballers were "wimps" for not taking that course of action once they'd grown up (whilst trumpeting how "hard" darts players like him apparently are in comparison). That's just crass ignorance. OK there's no law against being stupid and ignorant, and publically displaying that. But it certainly does NOTHING to help the poor souls who are still struggling with such a traumatic event in their lives. Its fear of exactly this kind of persecution that stops them coming forward in the first place.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

Yes mate , why would you ? You got back to the fatherland OK then

Ha ha. Yes, 3 pints with you, 2 at the game, then straight to a craft beer pub afterwards to meet the missus and friends....climbed into bed at midnight a bit worse for wear. Full English in the morning then the flight home. All good