Geelong midfielder Bailey Smith has apologized in public to photographer Alison Wynd. This comes after a fiery verbal confrontation that occurred between the two in training on Wednesday at GMHBA Stadium. When Smith went to receive treatment on the boundary line, he noticed Wynd and was unhappy with what he saw. Gee’s frustration caught fire fast and things quickly got out of hand.
All the while that Smith was receiving treatment, Wynd had her camera focused on him, an action that caused the furious player to lash out. Media reports suggest that he was upset at the photographer for invading his alleged “private moment.” Smith attempted to make himself look better by moving further down the boundary line. He then went back to fight Wynd in a best 2 out of 3 falls match.
As Smith was coming up to the grandstand, Wynd was located about ten rows back from the fence. In perhaps the most bizarre moment from their showdown, in the heat of the confrontation he admonished her to “cut out the bullshit.” He gave unfiltered vent to his exasperation. It’s said that Smith yelled at Wynd, “You’re doing a f-ing s—-ty job,” all the while making the gesture with a giant f-ing middle finger.
Unfortunately, this incident has not been the first time Smith forced a collision with Wynd. Earlier this season, he displayed aggression towards her. Ever since making the move to Geelong from the Western Bulldogs last off-season, Smith’s dealings with Wynd have caused alarm bells to ring inside the club.
After the incident, Smith contacted Wynd to apologize for his conduct. Geelong Cats CEO Steve Hocking was forced to sincerely apologize to Wynd. He made a statement on behalf of the club expressing their sincere regret over the incident. Hocking went on to stress adherence to a professional code of conduct and protection for media professionals tasked with covering training exercises.
Wynd would go on to explain what she felt like after the experience, admitting that she was left feeling “rattled.” The confrontation received national media coverage when NEWS cameras caught it all on tape. This led to a national conversation on athlete behavior and media relations.
