Last weekend on his Triple M radio show, Eddie McGuire clearly indicated he wanted to hold Caroline Wilson under water, and other commentators joined in the "fun". This was a clear indication he wishes to drown her, and as such represents horrific violence against women: http://www.dailylife.com.au/health-and-fitness/dl-sport/eddie-mcguire-in-hot-water-over-caroline-wilson-ice-pool-threat-20160619-gpmp1x.html .

This kind of language is common in Australia's media landscape. 4 years ago, radio host Alan Jones talked similarly about then-PM Julia Gillard, saying she should be "towed out to sea in a chaff bag and left there". This was a reference to how unwanted animals are sometimes disposed of, by being drowned in a chaff bag. 

This is not a joke. Violence against women is systemic, and Australia's rates of violence and misogyny against women are among the highest in developed countries. Last year, 79 Australian women were killed violently, and thousands more were injured and abused: https://www.facebook.com/DestroyTheJoint/.

There are clear, well researched links between how women and girls are portrayed and talked about in the media, and their subsequent treatment at the hands of some men. 

Nor is this language is not just "banter" or "boys being boys" - sexism is discrimination plus power, and in our male-dominated sporting media, men hold the power. Nor are Eddie's comments those that would be made about another man - no male journalist would be spoken of in such a way. 

McGuire's comments also came to light during the AFL's White Ribbon round, and at a time when the AFL has just announced its new Women's League for 2017. Thanks to Erin Riley for first highlighting the issue:  http://erinriley.com.au/archives/2912. 

Eddie McGuire and his co-commentators must be sacked, disciplined and/or or seriously sanctioned by the AFL and by all other bodies who employ them. This is the least the AFL owes the women of Australia. Gillon McLaughlin, your response so far to this issue is weak and laughable. What are YOU going to do to protect the rights of women and girls in Australia?

When is your organisation going to seriously stand up to dangerous misogynists like McGuire, and show leadership on this issue?

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TRANSCRIPT

McGuire: In fact I reckon we should start the campaign for a one-person slide next year. Caroline Wilson. And I'll put in 10 grand straight away - make it 20. [laughter] And if she stays under, 50. [laughter] What do you reckon guys? Who else is up there? I know you're in JB?

James Brayshaw: No, yep, Straight in.

Danny Frawley: I'll be in amongst it Ed.

McGuire: Is Duck there? Wayne Carey: Yes, I'm here mate.

McGuire: Duck's in. Danny's in - already spoken up.

Frawley: Yeah I'm in Ed. McGuire: I could do an auction here today.

Frawley: I'll actually jump in and make sure she doesn't - I'll hold her under,

Ed. McGuire: I reckon we could charge 10,000 for everyone to stand around the outside and bomb her.

Damien Barrett: I'm on Caro's side now, Ed. I'm on Caro's side these days, Ed.

[indecipherable]

McGuire: She'll burn you like everyone else, mate. She's like the black widow. She just sucks you in and gets you and you start talking to her and then bang! She gets you.

Brayshaw: If you ran that auction from down there, I reckon you'd start grabbing some bids out of the seats too. There'd be money piling in everywhere

McGuire: It's be magnificent. I think we should do that next year. It's all good for footy.

Brayshaw: Bloody oath.