Akermanis may quit AFL over controversy - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Akermanis may quit AFL over controversy

By Laine Clark 22/06/2006 07:03:11 PM Comments (0)

Champion Brisbane Lions midfielder Jason Akermanis admits he may consider retiring if his controversy-plagued AFL season continues.

After copping plenty over his recent "email debacle", Akermanis has revealed in a candid entry on his infamous website that hanging up his boots at the end of the year was one of "four possible outcomes".

The latest Akermanis controversy erupted last Thursday when an email response from the Lions onballer's website called Brisbane mentor Leigh Matthews a "....wit" who "can't coach".

Akermanis, 29, apologised to Matthews but claimed his brother Rory posted the message.

The Lions board asked Akermanis to provide a written explanation of the email which was discussed at a meeting on Thursday.

The email controversy came a day after Akermanis told Network Ten that he had not forgotten Matthews dropping him in round seven for disciplinary reasons and hinted that it would be a factor when he decided his future at the end of 2006.

Akermanis wrote on his website: "Yes it is true I am on contract at the Lions next year so the options are to play out the contract, ask to be traded, they can tell you they want to trade you, or you can simply retire.

"There are four possible outcomes here for any player at any time of their career.

"I suppose it is a case of thinking and being prepared for any one of those options and who knows between now and the end of the season I might change my mind and decide enough is enough - but I doubt it."

Akermanis said his comments on Network Ten had been misunderstood.

"On my weekly spot on Channel Ten I was asked 'would I be here next year?' and I said 'we will have to wait and see'," he said.

"I did not really want to comment at all because every time I do it seems it is another headline I don't really need.

"I was simply saying that we will have to wait and see because maybe the club will say to me: 'Hey guess what? We want to trade you'.

"That is why I made the 'wait and see' comment."

Akermanis also revealed an example of the criticism he had received over the email controversy.

The Brownlow Medallist posted three emails from "fans" since blaming his brother for the offending entry.

"There has also been the unwanted saga of last week's email debacle which - if you read the papers - has been proven beyond doubt.

"Now I know there was suspicion on me but hopefully now we can all move on.

"To me the email part of the website was important but unfortunately some absolute idiots decided to take their miserable frustrations out on me."

In one example, an email read: "You are a f...ing disgrace to the game and the human race! Right, my brother did it - you yellow belly lowlife!"

Another read: "This website is nothing more than another bid for attention to further stroke your giant ego ... come back to earth mate - no one will even remember you in 5 years from now".

Akermanis reportedly told the Lions board he could prove that former Opposition leader Dr John Hewson and a Queen's Counsel were meeting with him when the offending email was sent from his website address.

Akermanis has been linked with Essendon, Melbourne and Sydney since speculation over his future began.

Meanwhile, Lions ruckman Jamie Charman said the latest Akermanis controversy had been a distraction for battling Brisbane which is in real danger of missing the finals for the second straight year.

"To be honest I've only read something in the paper and it hasn't been discussed amongst the players," he told the Lions website.

"I think it got sorted about between Leigh and Aka and I haven't heard any of the players talking about it.

"He's going to help this team push further and he's a sensational player.

"Of course I'd like him to stay."

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