A Defiant Defense of Scott Pendlebury’s Record-Breaking Payday
Mason Cox has stepped up to defend his former teammate, Scott Pendlebury, in the face of growing criticism over the Collingwood star’s record-breaking earnings. The controversy centers around Pendlebury’s lucrative deal, which could see him earn hundreds of thousands of dollars outside the AFL salary cap during his milestone game.
Pendlebury is set to play his 433rd game against West Coast at the MCG, surpassing North Melbourne legend Brent Harvey as the player with the most games in league history. This achievement has sparked a heated debate, particularly after it was revealed that Pendlebury will receive 100% of the profits from merchandise tied to the event, including match-worn guernseys, custom boots, commemorative wine, and limited-edition watches.
Some estimates suggest that Pendlebury could make close to $500,000 from the occasion. However, Cox has been vocal in his support for Pendlebury, accusing critics of engaging in tall poppy syndrome.
‘It pisses me off. I’m just infuriated by this because everyone’s out there talking about him making money rather than celebrating what is the greatest football player we’ve probably seen,’ Cox said on his ESPN podcast.
‘Tall poppy syndrome is well and truly alive … and there’s no better case of it right now. You’re talking about, I’ll be honest, the most consistent player that’s ever played the game.’
Cox also highlighted Pendlebury’s impeccable reputation throughout his career.
‘And let’s say this, Pendles has not laid a foot wrong. He’s never really got any media scrutiny or media trouble or anything like that,’ he said.
‘A lot of you other media people probably have and you’re telling me that you can’t celebrate this guy?’
The former Collingwood ruckman then addressed those upset about Pendlebury profiting from the historic occasion.
‘We’ve been sitting here for the last probably two weeks and we mentioned this whole gold tin jumper thing, I mean, who really cares?’ Cox said.
‘It’s like if you want to do it, do it, it’s his game where he’s breaking a record that may never be done again. Give him some kind of independence to make a decision to do that … and all we’re talking about is, ‘Oh man, he might make a dollar.’ Well, heaven forbid. Dude, seriously, I’m like, are you kidding me? As he should! As he should! He should make as much money as he wants.’
Cox then delivered one of his most pointed remarks.
‘And if you’re not happy with that then, oh, hey, how about you go do what he’s done. But you can’t do it. You know why? Because you’re not good enough. And you just have to swallow that pill, OK? You’re not good enough.’
Rival Clubs Raise Concerns Over the Arrangement
The controversy has led rival clubs to pressure the AFL over the arrangement, with concerns that it creates a loophole outside the salary cap. Veteran journalist Caroline Wilson revealed that multiple clubs were “absolutely filthy” over the situation, while Kane Cornes claimed the league “cannot allow this to happen.”
Cornes also criticized Collingwood’s handling of Pendlebury in recent weeks, particularly after the veteran was rested twice ahead of the milestone game.
‘If Pendlebury plays tonight and against Hawthorn, that’s two extra wins,’ Cornes said on AFL.com.au’s First Up.
‘Collingwood gave up on their season.’
Coach Craig McRae defended the decision to manage Pendlebury carefully, insisting the club wanted to celebrate the record properly at the MCG.
‘His body isn’t as bulletproof as you think he is,’ McRae said.
‘Five- and six-day breaks, all the data says he is just getting to the line, and we are looking after him.’
Philanthropy Amid Controversy
Despite the controversy, Pendlebury is understood to be donating part of the proceeds from the record-breaking game to My Room Children’s Cancer Charity. The Collingwood superstar will enter the West Coast clash needing just one more appearance to stand alone as the greatest games player in V/AFL history.
