Piece of s***’: Former AFL player takes swipe at Wayne Carey
The AFL’s first openly bisexual player appears to have scolded Wayne Carey in public after uproar surrounding his ensemble.
The AFL’s first openly bisexual player appears to have taken a swipe at Wayne Carey over the storm surrounding his appearance at the AFL’s Hall of Fame induction dinner.
Brown made headlines after he was criticised for his casual attire for the black tie event.
Carey was one of several high profile ex players to have questioned Brown’s bold look, where he turned heads alongside partner Louisa Keck, who is expecting the couple’s first child.
The former West Coast star came out publicly last year as the first openly bisexual AFL player, past or present.
The 37-year-old appeared at the black tie event in a black sleeveless mesh top, smiling as he posed for photos with Keck.
The ensemble was all too much for some.
Brown on Saturday responded to the public criticism with an extended statement shared on Instagram where he appeared to single out Carey, Melbourne Demons great Garry Lyon and Essendon great Tim Watson.
“I didn’t want to give this any more oxygen, but I feel like this is one of those learning moments,” he posted on Instagram.
“Tim, Gary, SEN and the other one*, although you will never know or care to understand. Your commentary this week is emblematic of why in 130 years and counting, there is still no current queer AFL men’s players who feel safe enough to be themselves.
“If we want the sport to be more inclusive, we need to be more open and accepting to the ways in which the queer community choose to express themselves.
“It makes me question whether you actually want queer players to be able to come out? Or if they do, will they only be accepted if they act and look exactly like you?
“This is so much more than a mesh vest and that’s why it’s important you learn why or at least try.
“If my outfit made you so uncomfortable that I shouldn’t be allowed to attend, then perhaps it’s worth reflecting on how uncomfortable these beliefs and attitudes have made the queer community feel for the last 130 years.
“I know change can be uncomfortable. But at least try. If not for yourselves, then for the closeted queer people in your life.”
His asterisk mention of the “other one” is widely interpreted to have referenced Carey after the former North Melbourne premiership winner criticised his attire in public.
The use of the term “POS” is widely used to replace the words “piece of s***”.
“*Not giving this alleged DV perpetrator/POS the time of day,” Brown wrote.
“If he thinks I’m wrong, I’m definitely doing something right.”
Carey was in 2024 blocked by the AFL from being elevated to Legend status in the NSW Australian Football Hall of Fame.
Wayne Carey, right, was unhappy with Brown’s choice of outfit (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
Despite being listed to become one of 10 inductees elevated to Legend status, Carey did not attend the event after consultation with AFL CEO Andrew Dillon.
In 1997 Carey pleaded guilty to indecent assault after grabbing a woman’s breast while in 2006 he allegedly hit himself over the head with a bottle and wrestled with a security guard after an alleged domestic dispute with then-girlfriend Kate Neilson.
In 2007 Miami police were called to a hotel after Carey allegedly smashed a wine glass into Neilson’s face and was convicted of battery on a law enforcement officer when he kicked a female officer in the mouth.
Earlier this week Carey wrote in social media: “Mitch Brown HOF outfit seriously?? ️Black tie function, biggest night on AFL calendar.”
Ex-Melbourne captain Lyon also said on his SEN Breakfast radio show: “If he had a black jacket on I wouldn’t have a problem.
“But the interpretation gets lost when the jacket comes off. A mesh singlet ain’t the go for black tie.
“If he had have kept his jacket on that would have been acceptable, that ain’t cutting for a black tie Hall of Fame.”
Brown directly responded to a criticism on Instagram, saying: “Oh, so sorry completely forgot that men aren’t allowed to express themselves. Back in my box I go.”