According to AFL loudmouth Jason Akermanis, he acknowledges being “stupid” and insensitive when he labeled the late Jim Stynes as a “nasty man in his day” who was being treated like a “demigod”.
In a fiery radio interview with Mix 92.7 FM last week on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, the former three-time premiership-winning player expressed that he felt the public outpouring of sympathy and sorrow following Stynes’s passing due to cancer on Tuesday was “overkill.”
The backlash from Akermanis’s remarks intensified throughout the afternoon, ultimately leading to his dismissal from Mix 92.7 FM on Thursday afternoon.
Stynes was celebrated as an inspirational figure both on and off the field, acknowledged for his impactful youth work with the Reach Foundation.
He is set to be honored with a state funeral in Melbourne on Tuesday, after which his ashes will be returned to Ireland.
However, Akermanis is expected to be absent from the memorial, as he told breakfast hosts Mark Darin and Caroline Hutchinson that Stynes “was a nasty man in his day.”
“He had a way with words and made sure you were aware of his feelings,” Akermanis commented.
“What surprises me is, yes, he was a legend in the game and accomplished remarkable things with kids, but numerous individuals have also done similar work without receiving any acknowledgment.
“I believe it’s somewhat disproportionate.
“He received a state funeral – do all football players receive state funerals?
“There’s something about it all that made me uncomfortable. Jim’s great, but is he that exceptional?”
Later on Thursday, Akermanis addressed Melbourne radio station SEN, stating that his comments were not expressed well and offering his apologies for any offense taken.
“I’m truly sorry. I hope people can grasp my point,” he said.
“My intention was to highlight that he was as human as the rest of us. I didn’t mean to overlook all the good he achieved.
“I simply didn’t articulate it properly. There’s no justification. I said it, and I own my foolishness.”
Afterward, Akermanis released a prepared statement expressing regret for his comments.
“First and foremost, I wish to sincerely apologize for my inappropriate remarks this morning regarding Jim Stynes. I genuinely regret any ill feelings I have caused.
“In truth, my sentiments are quite the opposite, but I failed to communicate my thoughts and feelings effectively.
“I sincerely apologize to the Stynes family, the public, and everyone connected with Jim throughout his life. I hope to take this chance to clarify my genuine sentiments and request forgiveness for my foolishness.”
Notwithstanding his apology, Akermanis was let go by the radio station later that day.
“Mix 92.7 perceives the comments as in poor taste and a disservice to the remarkable legacy of Jim Stynes and the widespread grief across Australia,” stated the radio station.
The contentious AFL figure is set to participate in the forthcoming season of Celebrity Apprentice Australia, scheduled to air next month.
A Brownlow medallist, Akermanis is known for his provocative views and his striking peroxide hairstyle.
He drew media attention for his conflict with Brisbane Lions coach Leigh Matthews, leading to a unanimous decision by the club and senior players in 2006 to remove him from the team.
In 2010, he faced backlash for a newspaper column in which he urged gay players to remain in the closet.
by Buford Balony
