- Jason Akermanis was called ‘soft’
- He left SAS Australia after just one day
- Footy Great claims he had swollen toes
Jason Akermanis has been branded “soft” after the AFL legend lasted just one day on SAS Australia, insisting he had “nothing to prove to anyone”.
The former Western Bulldogs star and footy hardman joined fellow sporting legends Anthony Mundine, Boyd Cordner, Abbey Holmes, Matthew Mitcham and Peter Bol for the grueling reality show, fronted by SAS-trained officer Anthony Middleton.
Akermanis was buried in the Jordanian desert for 45 minutes before undertaking a task in which he jumped on and off a moving train.
However, the 46-year-old later complained of a toe injury and sought medical attention at base camp.
Middleton initially rejected Akermanis’ request, telling his fellow officers: “Number 3 (Akermanis) came to us to tell us he injured his foot.”
Jason Akermanis branded ‘soft’ after leaving SAS Australia after just one day
Football great complained of swollen toes after grueling first day in Jordan
But the camp doctor said he saw no signs of swelling or fractures.
“He sprinted onto the train. I jumped off the train. I sprinted towards myself, then I sprinted. I didn’t see any lameness at all. I think number 3 is looking for a way out.;
He then brought Akermanis in and said, “Let me take a look. You did sprint on the train, you jumped off the train.
The camp doctor agreed with Middleton’s assessment, and when asked for the exact cause of the injury, the Bulldogs great was unable to pinpoint exactly when he sustained the injury.
“Put your boots back on. You won’t even try basic pain relief? You get a step ahead of yourself,” he said.
Akermanis replied: “I’m telling you there’s nothing we can do if it’s going to be this painful. So either I get a release or I have to hand over my… I’m saying physically I can’t do it.
Akermanis insisted he had nothing to prove to anyone after resigning
The football great was sent back to his campmates, who were shocked to see him packing his belongings.
Akermanis returned to the construction site where he removed his No. 3 badge and voluntarily walked away from the process.
“You’ve gone soft,” Middleton said.
“I don’t need to go on a journey like this and prove anything to anyone else,” Akermanis said as he walked away.