Basketball great Andrew Gaze slams footy stars for drinking alcohol at AFL’s Brownlow Medal ceremony

Australian basketball legend Andrew Gaze scolded AFL footballers for drinking excessively during Sunday night’s Brownlow Medal — and fans have responded by calling him a “sook” and telling him to fuck off.

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan had to ask for silence during the ceremony as the stars, their partners and other guests drank and enjoyed themselves – as they do every year.

There were no reports of bad behavior from any of the big guys, unlike in years past when the game’s superstars were clearly worse for wear and tear during the vote counting.

However, Gaze believes that the amount of booze consumed on the night of the competition sets a bad example for children who are currently on school holidays.

Carlton medalist Patrick Cripps reaches for a beer during the ceremony. He said a teammate’s mother helped him stay on the straight and narrow with the booze during the count

“I was feeling a little, and this is the dad in me, a little uncomfortable with the drinking, like it was some kind of game they were playing – skol a beer if you get a voice and put on the black glasses,” Blik said on SEN radio’s The Run Home.

“What it does is normalize behavior that I don’t think is a good message for kids.

‘We have school holidays and many children watch it. Again, in the grand scheme of things, I’m sure most people there behaved very well, but it’s still a look presented by heroes [to kids].

“You hear Patrick Cripps talking about how he looked up to… [Ben Cousins and Chris Judd on Brownlow night].

Basketball legend Andrew Gaze thinks too much alcohol is consumed during the event and sends a bad signal to kids watching at home

“To see some of those guys who idolize young kids skolling beer – they’re having a good time and I get that…I think if there was some way the players could have fun and a little lavishness for the camera – responsible drinking is part of their job.’

Gaze’s comments drew scathing backlash from football fans who believe players should be able to have a few drinks and relax at the end of the season.

“Andrew fuck off and don’t mind your own business,” wrote one Twitter user.

“I love you Gazey, but come on, this isn’t it. Players had a tough season and just let their hair down and they don’t hurt anyone. I think there should be more focus on the constant gambling ads in the news coverage because that’s what sends a bad message to kids,” said another.

Ollie Wines is pictured toasting Patrick Cripps after he succeeded him as the reigning Brownlow medalist

‘Players drinking beer when? What about the betting ads & Saint Gilles calling for silence, just read the count!’ added a third.

Carlton’s Patrick Cripps won the 2022 Brownlow Medal in a heart-pounding finish, confessing afterwards that he had to thank a teammate’s mother for keeping him sober enough to take footy’s biggest prize.

The Blues skipper said he “started drinking a few beers” when he didn’t get votes early and decided he had little chance of winning the game’s top honors.

“I was close and Harry McKay’s mom was next to me, so she started filling my water glass, so I slid a few up, so she probably saved my night,” he explained.