The controversies surrounding Richmond duo Sydney Stack and Callum Coleman-Jones have split some of the league's biggest personalities, with North Melbourne champion Wayne Carey showing sympathy for the pair.
Both Stack and Coleman-Jones have been sent back to Melbourne following their strip club COVID-19 breach, with the pair both on the end of 10 match suspensions and the club hit with a $100,000 fine.
While many have publicly shown their disgust in the Tigers duo, Carey added some sympathy during Channel 7's broadcast following Thursday night's clash between Brisbane and Collingwood.
“I know they made a big mistake, but I can’t help but feel sorry for them,” Carey said.
“A huge, huge mistake, but I feel ill for them.
“They are under all sorts of pressure and will cop all sorts of criticism. Deservedly so, but I feel for them.”
Fellow Channel 7 panelist Brian Taylor said the punishments laid upon Stack and Coleman-Jones were far too lenient.
“No fine is big enough for what the players have done. And what they have done is put the entire competition under threat,” Taylor said.
“I feel like I say this every two or three weeks but the players, they simply are not learning.
“What could you be doing outside a souvlaki shop after attending a strippers? I mean, come on.”