I remember years ago being at my then wife’s friends’ place. Watching TV. A documentary. About the fall and rise of Ben Cousins.

And every so often her friends would coo, Poor Ben. And I’m watching thinking I know what’s going to happen. Nothing will change. And nothing did. That was fifteen or so years ago. I don’t want to talk about Ben Cousins.

Which brings me to the news about the Swans sexual assault investigation. Not an allegation. Not an incident. Not players finding themselves in unfortunate circumstances as implied by the Swans CEO.

An investigation. With police and lawyers. And sooner rather than later publicists and all the cronies that gather to protect sportsmen when they err. Why? Not to protect the victim, thats for sure.

That witch trial is yet to come. And that choice of words is deliberate because women who make rape allegations are lumped in the same sinking basket as witches. And left to drown. Of course if they survive it only proves the point.

But the media right now has more important things to write about. About how the team’s prospects are under threat. About player’s careers in the balance. About incidents.

What was most telling were the comments from the Swans’ coach made before this happened. He more or less said the team was working well, etc. etc. Presumably these players taking responsibility and are being held accountable for their actions on the field. I wonder if he is saying those words to them now. Because he should be.

Besides I won’t be waiting for the documentary that describes these players’ fall and rise. Or the redemption article two or three years’ hence focussed on their struggle after this terrible setback. It’s just another repeat. And it shouldn’t be.