Demons probe sponsor Ben Polis's racist rants

[Guest Thomo]

Don't forget this guy is not only Energy Watch he is also Freedom SEO, if we go down the path of voiding our contract we lose two sponsers.

I think this post needs to bumped, it's more than the Energywatch sponsorship that will be lost.

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,657]

On a completely different point, I'm not on Facebook and have never used it (in other words, I'm over 50). But does Facebook have any responsibilities for having allowed this type of information to be published? I know this is likely to lead to the freedom of speech argument, so before that's raised, let's remember that (i) we don't operate in this country under the American constitution and (ii) the right to freedom of speech is already qualified with restrictions associated with safety (you can't yell "fire" in a theatre when there isn't a fire), you can't defame people and you can't incite violence or racial hatred.

Edited April 5, 2012 by La Dee-vina Comedia

[Lordweaver 235]

I don't mind being called weak if we get a heartfelt apology and get to keep a major sponsor. That would be preferable to being called strong and lose a major sponsor and compromise our financial situation as well.

[Arrow 1,257]

Not sure why people are wanting to keep EW. I jsut explained that it's very possible we get the $$$ and flick EW and then have a new sponsor. We actually benefit from flicking them. The case is pretty easy to be honest. You think any Australian court will condone a racist compnay? No way...It's a classic case of frustration. We argue that EW can no longer fulfil its promotional obligations and the brand of the MFC will be tarnished because of the association. We then argue that we expected $X .

We are probably not entitled to full amount of contract, but certainly part of. Unless the club says that it is now too difficult to secure a future sponsor. We can also join AFL to the action. Well EW may wish to.

Not at all. One racist comment doesn't make the company a racist company. Irrespectively with the amount of money this bloke has trying to sue him would be a joke. He would take us to the cleaners about plenty of other companies with employees who have shady pasts.

If they choose to leave it do it and cut ties don't leave it lingering with court cases and all that jazz.

[Sir Why You Little 36,696]

Don't forget this guy is not only Energy Watch he is also Freedom SEO, if we go down the path of voiding our contract we lose two sponsers.

Just makes it worse. But ties must still be cut.

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

I don't mind being called weak if we get a heartfelt apology and get to keep a major sponsor. That would be preferable to being called strong and lose a major sponsor and compromise our financial situation as well.

Staying with EnergyWatch will be more of a financial compromise than removing their sponsorship.

[Weedster 174]

Agree, 100% it is a mess. Also agree business is never ideal. But are you suggesting that we find a way to live through this with Energy Watch? It might require a hand out from the AFL in the short term, but I think the AFL will support us on this. We cannot be seen to tolerate these comments. In business, nobody can afford to do that.

We must ditch them, no question. Interesting ( and surpirising supportive) comments by Eddie on MMM today. Clearly, there are some contractual commitments to be worked through before you can simply ditch an agreement. His supportive suggestions about media & AFL assisting with the search for a new sponsor, and what could be brought to the table in support, were, i believe, generous & constructive.

A week to put behind us ..

[Sir Why You Little 36,696]

Not at all. One racist comment doesn't make the company a racist company. Irrespectively with the amount of money this bloke has trying to sue him would be a joke. He would take us to the cleaners about plenty of other companies with employees who have shady pasts.

If they choose to leave it do it and cut ties don't leave it lingering with court cases and all that jazz.

would be intersting to see if all these Melbourne clubs do not come together to fight this as a united front. This Polis clown has slandered more than just the MFC.

[sue 9,029]

I don't mind being called weak if we get a heartfelt apology and get to keep a major sponsor. That would be preferable to being called strong and lose a major sponsor and compromise our financial situation as well.

Do you seriously believe this guy is capable of a 'heartfelt apology'. his initial response would indicate that is about as likely as mfc winning the GF this year.

We can't expect an immediate response from the mfc. They need to look at the legal situation, talk to the other Melbourne clubs whose lack of due diligence was apparently as bad as ours was (that we are not alone seems to be overlooked by a lot of posters here), talk to the afl about their possible support etc.

Edited April 5, 2012 by sue

[BarrassHarrass 25]

Not at all. One racist comment doesn't make the company a racist company. Irrespectively with the amount of money this bloke has trying to sue him would be a joke. He would take us to the cleaners about plenty of other companies with employees who have shady pasts.

If they choose to leave it do it and cut ties don't leave it lingering with court cases and all that jazz.

I have read more than one. Next. Why would he take us to the cleaners? What would he sue us for? Other than court costs? That would require us losing. Not sure your background, but we wouldn't lose this case. He is owner, founder and CEO of Energy Watch. Therefore the compnay is headed by a man with extremely racist views. Are you getting this?

There is no legal argument "there was another company with a shady past, so the fact I am racist and have a contract with MFCdoesn't mean the agreement is totally unworkable". I don't mean to insult you mate, but you clearly have no understanding of the law. If you read my short explanation, you would have at least made sense.

The reality is, if we end the deal, I would presume we have a settlement with EW whereby they pay us this season's $2mil and that's it. Anything less and the club will go to court.

[Angelus BTVS 31]

Cam schwab tweeted april 3rd

'Measure of a club will always be how strongly it supports Its own people and values'

The way i see it energy watch must go. The club will move forward and its people will follow a club of integrity.

[daisycutter 29,351]

We must ditch them, no question. Interesting ( and surpirising supportive) comments by Eddie on MMM today. Clearly, there are some contractual commitments to be worked through before you can simply ditch an agreement. His supportive suggestions about media & AFL assisting with the search for a new sponsor, and what could be brought to the table in support, were, i believe, generous & constructive.

A week to put behind us ..

Maybe i'm just bitter and twisted but eddie seems to like playing mr generosity when a club is really down but also like to shoot you down if you look like climbing out of your hole

I don't trust his motivations

[Tricky 341]

Cam schwab tweeted april 3rd

'Measure of a club will always be how strongly it supports Its own people and values'

The way i see it energy watch must go. The club will move forward and its people will follow a club of integrity.

Says it all really.

[hardtack 10,429]

Maybe i'm just bitter and twisted but eddie seems to like playing mr generosity when a club is really down but also like to shoot you down if you look like climbing out of your hole

I don't trust his motivations

Yes, I had this image of Eddie as Farmer Hoggett in the film "Babe" calling back the journos after a long week's reporting of the Dees in crisis, telling them "That'll do pigs, that'll do".

[dazzledavey36 53,009]

what a disgrace this bloke is!! the MUST cut off all ties with EW asap!

this ben pollis bloke deserves a bullet!

[Sir Why You Little 36,696]

C.S. will go grey this week. Imagine the talk going on in that office!!

[H_T 3,032]

Maybe i'm just bitter and twisted but eddie seems to like playing mr generosity when a club is really down but also like to shoot you down if you look like climbing out of your hole

I don't trust his motivations

Agree !

[daisycutter 29,351]

http://www.fishpond.com.au/Books/Only-Mother-Could-Love-Him-Ben-Polis/9780340838921?cf=3

Only a Mother Could Love Him

How I Lived with and Triumphed Over ADHD

By Ben Polis

An unique, engaging, funny and frank story of how a young ADHD sufferer lived with and triumphed over his condition. Ben Polis attended six different schools, served (he estimates) over 3,000 hours of detention, and drove his entire family into counselling. But against all the odds, with a combination of self-taught concentration techniques and sheer determination, he made it through the education system to university. This is his triumphant story. From his unique perspective, Ben describes what it's really like to feel those constant inexplicable impulses, to get all that medication, to desperately want to be 'normal.' Ben's inspiring, frank and often funny account will enlighten every parent who's ever despaired of their seemingly uncontrollable child; every teacher who's ever vented frustration at a student who just won't pay attention; every kid who has ever wondered 'Why does everyone hate me?' and indeed anyone who wants to understand the world of an ADHD child.

About the Author

Ben Polis self-published his book with great success in his native Australia, and now lectures internationally on ADHD. He is twenty-one.

Reviews

'Polis has caught attention with his simply written and self-deprecating descriptions of how out of control he felt as a child.' - New York Times

[rpfc 28,056]

http://www.fishpond.com.au/Books/Only-Mother-Could-Love-Him-Ben-Polis/9780340838921?cf=3 Only a Mother Could Love Him How I Lived with and Triumphed Over ADHD By Ben Polis An unique, engaging, funny and frank story of how a young ADHD sufferer lived with and triumphed over his condition. Ben Polis attended six different schools, served (he estimates) over 3,000 hours of detention, and drove his entire family into counselling. But against all the odds, with a combination of self-taught concentration techniques and sheer determination, he made it through the education system to university. This is his triumphant story. From his unique perspective, Ben describes what it's really like to feel those constant inexplicable impulses, to get all that medication, to desperately want to be 'normal.' Ben's inspiring, frank and often funny account will enlighten every parent who's ever despaired of their seemingly uncontrollable child; every teacher who's ever vented frustration at a student who just won't pay attention; every kid who has ever wondered 'Why does everyone hate me?' and indeed anyone who wants to understand the world of an ADHD child. About the Author Ben Polis self-published his book with great success in his native Australia, and now lectures internationally on ADHD. He is twenty-one. Reviews 'Polis has caught attention with his simply written and self-deprecating descriptions of how out of control he felt as a child.' - New York Times

Great pick up DC!

Well, FMD, the guy actually has issues behind his issues...

I think he might find it difficult to lecture for a while but he can save his reputation if he gets a decent PR firm...

Don't know if it will be enough to save our $2m however...

[Sir Why You Little 36,696]

http://www.fishpond.com.au/Books/Only-Mother-Could-Love-Him-Ben-Polis/9780340838921?cf=3

Only a Mother Could Love Him

How I Lived with and Triumphed Over ADHD

By Ben Polis

An unique, engaging, funny and frank story of how a young ADHD sufferer lived with and triumphed over his condition. Ben Polis attended six different schools, served (he estimates) over 3,000 hours of detention, and drove his entire family into counselling. But against all the odds, with a combination of self-taught concentration techniques and sheer determination, he made it through the education system to university. This is his triumphant story. From his unique perspective, Ben describes what it's really like to feel those constant inexplicable impulses, to get all that medication, to desperately want to be 'normal.' Ben's inspiring, frank and often funny account will enlighten every parent who's ever despaired of their seemingly uncontrollable child; every teacher who's ever vented frustration at a student who just won't pay attention; every kid who has ever wondered 'Why does everyone hate me?' and indeed anyone who wants to understand the world of an ADHD child.

About the Author

Ben Polis self-published his book with great success in his native Australia, and now lectures internationally on ADHD. He is twenty-one.

Reviews

'Polis has caught attention with his simply written and self-deprecating descriptions of how out of control he felt as a child.' - New York Times

Interesting...but still don't think it will save the deal. The guy is driven, but a very loose cannon.

[Arrow 1,257]

I have read more than one. Next. Why would he take us to the cleaners? What would he sue us for? Other than court costs? That would require us losing. Not sure your background, but we wouldn't lose this case. He is owner, founder and CEO of Energy Watch. Therefore the compnay is headed by a man with extremely racist views. Are you getting this?

There is no legal argument "there was another company with a shady past, so the fact I am racist and have a contract with MFCdoesn't mean the agreement is totally unworkable". I don't mean to insult you mate, but you clearly have no understanding of the law. If you read my short explanation, you would have at least made sense.

The reality is, if we end the deal, I would presume we have a settlement with EW whereby they pay us this season's $2mil and that's it. Anything less and the club will go to court.

Not once did I say he would sue us? My taking to the cleaners was referring to how comfortably his lawyers would take apart our case on its merits.

"The courts over the years have had a great deal of difficulty in deciding what is the proper theoretical basis for the court intervening in the contract and declaring it to be frustrated." The law rarely ever works and as per your quote finding a clear ruling is difficult in defining what exactly is 'frustrated'.

In your own post you stated it rarely ever works, and the reason is because while some/most people may find things 'frustrating' others may not and therefore you cannot prove beyond reasonable doubt. Tiger Woods couldn't get sued for that exact reason because whilst a few sponsors let him go, others didn't and it was considered what he did cannot have been that frustrating; EA and Nike stayed with him. Different values make it impossible. Another example is Clive Palmer. The FFA on principle should be able to take him to hell and back but even they realise they can't win.

I clearly have no understanding of the law and I look forward in the next few years to a flurry of frustration cases coming up with you as chief prosecutor.

[drdrake 3,126]

The club legal eagles will earn their money this week. Bit concerned this week that the Board and CEO are missing in action. I appreciate we would need to seek legal advise plus meet with this twit, but the club needs to put a statement out or hold a press conference today.

[Born to Run 204]

Staying with EnergyWatch will be more of a financial compromise than removing their sponsorship.

I agree with this. Despite it being a highly philispshical and moral stance, I do believe that corporations will be attracted to us if we make a stand. I may be niaive, but its just what I believe.

[Bonkers 988]

Sponsorship has now been removed from the MFC website.

[Arrow 1,257]

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/7415/newsid/132354/default.aspx

Done and done.