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Mr D’Arcy’s pride should come ahead of our prejudice

Sam Squiers

by Sam Squiers

22 Feb 12:35pm

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Filed under: London Olympics, Nick Darcy, Olympics, Sport, Swimming, Violence

111 comments

It’s time to give Nick D’Arcy a break. The story going around today is that D’Arcy has been cleared by the Australian Olympic Committee to compete for selection at the London Games.

Many are still asking what lies beneath. Pic: Liam Kidston

It’s a story I chose to run as part of our morning sport package on Sky News, but not discuss in our panel chat this morning on Sportsline. It’s an old topic and it’s time to move on.

It’s been almost four years to the day that D’Arcy’s Olympic dream was shattered and his life turned upside down. Up until that point in the bar late on that dreaded night, D’Arcy was on the cusp of realising his dream. All those training sessions, early mornings, long programs, strict diets, missed parties, big sacrifices and endless laps up and down the pool were about to be worth it.

He’d qualified to race at the Beijing Olympics. His career, his life, his dream was on track. But in one split second it all went up in smoke.

It’s a night I’m sure D’Arcy has gone through in his head a million times. What if I hadn’t drunk that much? What if I hadn’t gone to that last bar? What if I hadn’t been an idiot that night?

But I’m not here to talk about what happened that night. Enough has been said about it. There have been court cases, media scrums, scrutiny, embarrassment and public shaming.

It’s a case that brought so much public condemnation and hatred. Strangers at cafés have even approached him to have their two cents’ worth. He’s sat there and taken it all.

It’s what D’Arcy has done since then that matters.

He’s tried to rebuild his career - putting in endless hours in the pool, the gym, sticking to strict diets and training programs. He’s finished his university degree and has been accepted into medical school.

D’Arcy hasn’t been in trouble since. He’s not a repeat offender. He’s no Todd Carney who constantly graces back and front pages for the wrong reasons. D’Arcy’s kept out of the spotlight and hasn’t been egotistic in his interviews since.

He hasn’t chased any media attention nor embarked on PR campaigns to repair his image. He wants to let his swimming do his talking and we should let him have the opportunity to do that.

He’s pushed to get to where he is today, on the cusp again of Olympic selection and deserves to be handed his second chance. Doesn’t everyone? For that I urge you to give the kid a break.

I do concede that many people still see it as a cop-out that D’Arcy delcared himself bankrupt, which meant he didn’t have to pay $180,00 to Simon Cowley. But D’Arcy doesn’t have any money. Even if his parents do, he’s not a minor anymore.

D’Arcy lost his place on the Olympics for Beijing - that was torture. It’s been torture for Simon Cowley too, there’s no denying that. But D’Arcy has done all the right things to earn another shot at his dream.

Let him have it.

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111 comments

Show oldest | newest first

    • marley says:

      11:41am | 22/02/12

      I think I might believe he’s “done all the right things” when he pays Cowley what is owed.

      Reply

    • Tim says:

      12:15pm | 22/02/12

      Why?
      If a business goes under, do you think the owner of the business is forever indebted to his creditors?

      We have bankruptcy laws for a reason and this is it.

    • marley says:

      12:41pm | 22/02/12

      @Tim - it’s one thing to say he’s legally obliged to pay off Cowley.  He’s not, I accept that, and I don’t think it should prevent him competing. 

      It’s another, though, to say “he’s done all the right things.”  That’s implying a moral standard I don’t think he’s met.  If I were Cowley, I’d feel about D’Arcy pretty much the way the creditors feel when a guy that owes them millions goes bust but keeps his house and car.

    • SM says:

      12:55pm | 22/02/12

      @Tim

      Garbage.  Making an effort to pay Cowley even a small amount per week/month would show that he has at least learned something. He’s not even done that.  D’Arcy is a no-count and the AOC should treat him as such

    • Kika says:

      01:26pm | 22/02/12

      I agree with Marley. Filing for bankruptcy is not the same. If say the business who owed the other one also ruthlessly out muscled and broke the Trade Practices Act and ruined not only their own business but their creditors business do you think it’s fair? We’re talking morally here, not legally.

      Nick filing for bankruptcy was immoral. He’s shown no remorse, has not apologised and not only did he get away with not gonig to jail, he was awarded a fine and skipped out on that too.
      I really don’t feel sorry for him at all.

    • Tim says:

      01:49pm | 22/02/12

      Marley,
      I don’t think he’s done all the right things.
      But there shouldn’t be a “nice guy” clause on competing in a sporting event.
      You don’t have to like it, but he shouldn’t be banned from swimming and if he’s good enough he deserves to be in the team.

    • Testfest says:

      01:49pm | 22/02/12

      Umm… what’s with all the people saying that D’Arcy has never apologised or shown any remorse?

      He publicly apologised to Simon Cowley in 2009. Here’s the link:
      http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2008/s2497303.htm

      You can sledge him all you like for the crime he committed, but at least get your facts right before you do it.

    • Keith Hammersmith says:

      02:22pm | 22/02/12

      so, he has managed to put himself through university, and maintain a strict training regimen.. instead of getting a job and paying what he owes. Thats great isnt it…
      what a guy.

    • charlie says:

      02:53pm | 22/02/12

      How do you know the full truth of the story, all you’ve heard is from the media!

    • Bruce says:

      03:43pm | 22/02/12

      Nick D’Arcy’s problems was bought on by his own floored character. He has to live with the consequences. I have no sympathy for him at all. Also, he will pay the long term consequences for declaring himself bankrupt. I hope his ‘advisors’ have let him know what being a “Bankrupt” really means. Its a short term solution with many long term serious problems. Being a bankrupt will stay with him for the rest of his life.

    • The Big M says:

      11:44pm | 22/02/12

      Until D’Arcy pays the money owed to Cowley, he is in debt and has ruined much of the life of this guy and is averting paying for the damage he has caused.
      This NOT a normal business, how obtuse and ignorant. This was a vicious and major assault that severely damaged and injured Cowley.

      Until D’Arcy makes good that damages payment, he remains guilty until that personal debt is paid, and should not represent our country unless he has a contract in place for those payments.

      Then he should have every chance in the world.

    • Michael says:

      06:06am | 23/02/12

      how did d’arcy manage to put himself through university if he apparently has no money to his name?

    • Tim says:

      11:54am | 22/02/12

      I don’t honestly know why this is a big deal.

      He was found guilty and punished.

      The fact that he’s declared bankruptcy is neither here nor there, it’s irrelevant. If it’s good enough for businessmen then it’s good enough for the rest of us.

      For what possible reason should he not be allowed to compete?

      Reply

    • Hacksaw says:

      12:07pm | 22/02/12

      He king hit a bloke causing a huge amount of damage. He’s made no attempt to show contrition. He’s made no attempt to pay Cowley, not even to help pay the bloke’s medical bills.

      Do we really want someone representing Australia who has proven to be craven, conscienceless and without any honour?

    • Tim says:

      12:50pm | 22/02/12

      Hacksaw,
      He’s representing Australia at swimming not at the good behaviour Olympics.
      Do we really want to decide on who represents Australia based on whether we think they’re a good guy?

    • marley says:

      01:04pm | 22/02/12

      @Tim - he’d be representing Australia. Period.

    • Rose says:

      01:09pm | 22/02/12

      Yes Tim, I think character should play a role in the selection process. Not in the sense that every rep has to be likeable and media friendly, but surely it’s not too much to ask that they not be persons convicted of a violent crime. Some one representing the nation is given the benefit of, quite often, considerable government funding, so that they can pursue their goal. They should at least be the type of person that is going to represent Australia with honour and respect. Has D’arcy shown himself to be really worthy of redemption, I’m not entirely sure, but I doubt it.

    • Liz says:

      01:28pm | 22/02/12

      Yes, he did king hit a guy. Cowley also slapped him which wasn’t exactly the smartest thing to do to a young athlete who doesn’t know his own strength!
      By god, has anyone else here made a mistake or are all of you commenting perfect in every way?
      Give the kid a chance.

    • DocBud says:

      02:07pm | 22/02/12

      I can’t speak for everone else, Liz, but I’m perfect in every way and so’s my wife.

    • James1 says:

      02:43pm | 22/02/12

      We can all say we have made mistakes Liz.  What gives the vast majority of us the moral high ground here is that we haven’t made mistakes which have resulted in the permanent disfiguration of another person. 

      Violent criminals are in a category all to themselves, in my view.

    • Ando says:

      03:04pm | 22/02/12

      If I slapped somone in the face and got decked I’d blame myself. A king hit is an unprovoked suprise attack.

    • Hacksaw says:

      03:07pm | 22/02/12

      @Tim - he is representing the country, we’re supposed to be be proud of him for all the work an sacrifice he’s put in to receive the honour of representing Australia.

      How can we be proud of a bloke who assaults someone in a sneak attack, does huge damage, makes no genuine attempt at contrition and then weasels out of paying not the amount owed but not even the blokes medical bills?

      I wont be cheering the bloke at any stage. Being good at sport doesn’t give you the right to assault people and the weasel out of the consequences (well at least it shouldnt).

    • Tim says:

      03:48pm | 22/02/12

      Hacksaw,
      he didn’t weasel out of anything, he got exactly what our piss poor judicial system thinks is a reasonable sentence.
      I’ve said it many times before that we need much harsher sentences for violent crimes but until then we have to live with what we’ve got and I’m not going to crucify someone over a mistake.

      The Olympic motto is higher, faster, stronger. Nothing about being a good citizen.

    • Kika says:

      04:18pm | 22/02/12

      Give the kid a chance? We’ve all made mistakes. Yeah I have said a few white lies. I once told my mum I was in detention where in fact I went to my mates place after school. Yeah I was in trouble. But I’ve NEVER SLAPPED SOMEONE SO HARD I BROKE THEIR JAW.

      Punished? Hardly. If I did the same thing I’d be in jail right now. He managed to get away with a fine and he didn’t even try paying it off. Skipped out on that too.

      It’s up to Swimming Australia to decide whether he should swim. I personally don’t care. But I don’t think he will have Australia’s support if he does. We like people who admit their failures and work on them. We don’t like those who skip out on liability and responsibility.

    • Hacksaw says:

      08:32pm | 22/02/12

      @Tim - of course he weaseled out. He made no attempt to pay what so ever. He didn’t even try to pay the medical bills.

      When did the the Australian ideal become “King hit who you want, break their jaw, pretend they deserved it and then refuse to pay one cent in reparation.”?

      If he’d said sorry in an honest way and at least attempted to make amends (he could have borrowed some money from his parents) then fair enough I’d be all for giving him a fair go.

      He has done nothing to earn a fair go, our respect or our support. I hope he doesn’t qualify and I wont be supporting him if he does, win, lose or draw.

    • scumbag says:

      11:59pm | 22/02/12

      So on that premise, O.J. Simpson would be eligible for an Oscar, should he be be nominated ?

    • SteveKAG says:

      11:58am | 22/02/12

      This brings a bit of a bug bear of mine.  If people do the crime, they do the time and they get themselves back on track again, the modern thinking and something that is against traditional Australian culture is that he can never be given another chance.

      We have a mining boom going on over the next 5 years they estimate we will need $260,000 people yet the industry still has a ban on people with some sort of police record. If they have went through the system and paid their dues whatever that is why is it then they are forever held accountable.

      Sure children deserve to be protected and are with the new working with children certificate but after that should a person past continue to haunt them even if they have made ammends?

      I think not, whatever happend to giving peolpe a fair go?

      Reply

    • SimonFromLakemba says:

      12:12pm | 22/02/12

      Agree with you regarding the criminal record bit, after they have done their time they should be free to work wherever.

      That’s a reason why in America the re-offending rate is so high because no one will take an ex con on.

      The problem with D’Arcy is that he has declared himself bankrupt whilst Cowley has to pay all the bills etc and D’Arcy gets to live his life as if nothing happened.

    • Liz says:

      01:31pm | 22/02/12

      @Simon - he’s hardly been able to “live his life as if nothing has happened”
      He lost his place at the Beijing Olympics. He is harassed in coffee shops and has declared himself bankrupt. This is hardly getting away with his crime scott free. Not to mention him now having a record.

    • marley says:

      01:44pm | 22/02/12

      @SteveKAG -  I think the thing with D’Arcy is, he’s done the crime but he hasn’t actually “done the time.”  He hasn’t paid off his debt,  he hasn’t changed his lifestyle, he hasn’t shown any real remorse or insight into his behaviour.  To me, he appears to be on the same track he always was, and it’s not a good one.  So no, I don’t think he’s paid his dues or made amends.

      He’ll get his second chance, regardless.  But I truly don’t think he’s earned it.

    • SimonFromLakemba says:

      02:14pm | 22/02/12

      @Liz

      Compared to Cowley he has.

    • Fred says:

      11:58am | 22/02/12

      Whether or not he’s an “idiot” depends on whether Simon Cowley deserved it or not. I have no idea, so I don’t judge.

      Reply

    • Hacksaw says:

      12:32pm | 22/02/12

      So you can king hit a bloke if YOU decide it’s ok?

      Get a grip.

    • marley says:

      12:42pm | 22/02/12

      Well, a real judge had an idea.

    • Fred says:

      02:03pm | 22/02/12

      Some people deserve it, I don’t know what disneyland world some people come from, hopefully one day I’ll live in it.

      The judge has to use the law to judge, not what is right or wrong.

      Idiots.

    • Hacksaw says:

      02:54pm | 22/02/12

      WTF is right, no matter how annoying someone is, with king hitting a bloke and caving in half his face?

    • Esmeralda Villa Lobos says:

      09:49pm | 24/02/12

      @marley ‘changed his lifestyle’???
      What lifestyle did he need to change in the first place? The incident occurred on one drunken night it….
      You obviously haven’t a clue of the lifestyle these athletes lead. This guy is becoming a doctor and is one of greatest swimmers in our country’s history. Marley, you just have to ask yourself, what would Jesus do?

    • Michael says:

      11:59am | 22/02/12

      Four years since Nick used his elbow to shatter his dreams of being a champion of the people.
      Upon being given the chance to redeem himself (in the eyes of some) and take responsibility for his actions he chose bankruptcy.
      I hope Nick can forgive himself and be the champion he would like to be.

      Reply

    • Shane* says:

      12:06pm | 22/02/12

      So hang on, apparently we’re all supposed to still hate Chris Brown for ruthlessly beating the living daylights out of Rhianna a few years back, an act we must never let him forget for a split second…
      ...
      But that D’Arcy kid… he’s a good guy. Let’s move on from his (similarly one-sided) bashing and let him focus on his sport.

      Huh?

      Reply

    • subotic says:

      12:24pm | 22/02/12

      Shane* you goose.

      Haven’t you worked out yet that if a guy hits a chick it’s the same as murdering a village of Dafurian children with a sub-machine gun, but if a guy slams the crap out of another guy in a drunken fist fight the media checks to see if we can get Bruce Willis or Sylvester Stallone to play the lead role in a movie based on said incident?

      Jeez….

    • Rose says:

      12:29pm | 22/02/12

      I have no respect for either of them, probably never will. The huge majority of people can live their entire lives without violently attacking anybody else. To do so is to show that you have a significant character flaw and I for one would be forever expecting that flaw to show itself again, whether it does or not is irrelevant, these people have already proven that they cannot be trusted.
      First thing you should teach your kids, every time you mess up there are consequences, if you don’t want to live with the consequences try really hard not to screw up!

    • SteveKAG says:

      01:15pm | 22/02/12

      @Rose, you are the very person i am referring to further up.
      People deserve second chances and if you/we are not willign to give that second chance god help us all as a society.

    • Rose says:

      02:14pm | 22/02/12

      SteveKAG, second chances are earnt, not just awarded after a certain amount of time has passed. Has D’arcy shown himself to be really remorseful? Not that I am aware of> Has he paid his dues? Not that I’m aware of (skipping out of making any financial restitution by pleading bankrupt isn’t exactly the same as paying your dues). In fact has he done anything which can honestly be seen as attempting to make up for what he did? Again, not that I’m aware of? All D’arcy has done is work hard to achieve his own personal goals, once again serving his own interests first and to hell with anyone else, all heavily subsidised by the public purse probably. Yes working hard is to be commended, but it definitely hasn’t wiped the slate clean.
      I can’t tell you for sure if he has done enough to make up for his actions, but it certainly seems that he hasn’t even begun to make up for it., everything he has done appears to have been done with only himself in mind, minimizing the financial impact of his punishment is a big indication of just who he is, some one prepared to do everything possible to avoid paying for his crimes.

    • lauren says:

      08:56am | 23/02/12

      Well, Chris Brown is a total muppet. If you’ve had the sad misfortune of seeing his tweets or public appearences you would realise he isn’t remorseful in any way whatsoever (he only said sorry to save his pathetic career), nor has he made any attempt to better himself. In fact, he is the same (if not worse) arrogant wanker he always has been.

      I haven’t been following Nick D’Arcy, so can’t really comment about it in length, but in my eyes if someone makes a mistake like this, but makes the effort to redeem themselves, then yes, I believe they deserve to have another chance. Some people believe he has made an effort, but others do not.

      Either way, Chris Brown is a tosser.

    • Bitten says:

      12:17pm | 22/02/12

      He can compete. But he is not the same as those competitors representing their country who have put in the hard hours in the pool, the early mornings, the endless training and time trials and somehow managed to NOT punch their fists into another human being’s face with enough force to land a classic le fort fracture, causing a lifetime of sinus damage and breathing problems.

      No, this swimmer is not like the others.  He may win a race. But he will never be a champion.

      Reply

    • James says:

      12:20pm | 22/02/12

      The only time I will ever cheer for D’Arcy is if he wins a Gold Medal.

      That says a lot about myself - and the impact on my judgement of people’s character once I start to think of this issue as an Australian sports fan..

      I personally really loathe the way in which the assualt events played out through the courts after the crime, and think it is a long way from ‘doing the time’ if he hasn’t paid damages as determined by the court because he has asked to be declared bankrupt.

      But if he improves the medal tally for our nation at the olympics…. well! ... I start to say “who was that guy he punched four years ago?”.

      Reply

    • SM says:

      02:49pm | 22/02/12

      @James

      That’s embarrassingly shallow of you James

    • The righteous one says:

      12:21pm | 22/02/12

      The only time D’arcy has accepted responsibility was when he put his hand up and said “yes I did it” and even then it was with qualification.  he has dodged skirted and downright avoided accepting responsibility for this act even to the point of filing for bankruptcy.  I thought there was a law against a bankrupt holding or using a passport.

      No we should move on when he accepts unqualified responsibility and stop letting his father bail him out of trouble repeatedly.

      spoilt lad I think.

      Reply

    • AdamC says:

      12:27pm | 22/02/12

      D’Arcy’s not a victim here, Sam Squires. He seriously injured someone else deliberately. Personally, I would argue he should have done prison time for his actions. I also think it is totally unjust that someone can simply declare bankruptcy to avoid paying damages for a deliberate act of assault. Maybe D’Arcy has changed his ways, I don’t know. I don’t care. He’s a tool, as far as I am concerned.

      But he should be able to compete for selection for the London Olympics team.

      (Seriously, though, do you know D’Arcy personally? The first couple of paragraphs of this article were cringe-inducingly sycophantic.)

      Reply

    • Tom says:

      05:21pm | 23/02/12

      Do you know him personally? Does anyone here? Well your not a judge so i don’t think anyone cares about your opinions or should bother to. Tell me what someone if meant to do when they offer a substantial (very compensating) amount of money for the damages they cause, only to be shot down and told to pay a lot more money then they actually are worth? Bankruptcy was the only option in his position, Simon’s Lawyers handled the negotiation badly, their greed and idiocy caused them to walk away with less then they bargained for.

    • Jordan says:

      12:31pm | 22/02/12

      he was convicted, hes faced tireless media srutiny. the public need to get off this guys back. I think in interviews since the one who has come off cocky is that Simon Cowley. Who is Cowley?? A nothing swimmer who got knocked out by Darcy. Cowley keeps bringing it up in the press because he cant make the press anyother way

      Reply

    • Parky says:

      01:06pm | 22/02/12

      So you’re attacking Simon Cowley?  Cowley’s character has zero to do with it. “bringing it up in the press” ?? If Cowley gets a microphone shoved in his face when he leaves or enters court - he has every right to state his thoughts.

    • subotic says:

      03:14pm | 22/02/12

      Yes Jordan, you are so freakin’ correct-a-mundo, how dare that bloody self-serving Cowley repeatedly thrust his eye socket into the unsuspecting, poor Mr D’Arcy and think that he should ever have the right to a career after such a publicity grabbing stunt.

      Shameless if you ask me.

    • dale says:

      12:37pm | 22/02/12

      sports people can get away with anything. great learning lesson for all kids. if you want to rape and pillage dont be a viking just be good at sport because we all know you wil be forgiven

      Reply

    • Keith Hammersmith says:

      02:24pm | 22/02/12

      good point.  ITS OK he is an athlete…

    • MDMConnell says:

      12:41pm | 22/02/12

      Let’s Play…...Spot the weasel words!

      “But I’m not here to talk about what happened that night. Enough has been said about it”

      In other words, let’s just skim over that whole king hitting a bloke and trying to BS his way out of it stuff. Like it didn’t happen. All the easier to paint him as the innocent victim trying his heart out to fulfill his dream.

      (Cue violins)

      Reality check: as others have said, he doesn’t seem to have shown one skerrick of remorse, is trying to get out of paying compensation, and just generally doesn’t appear interested in accepting responsibility for what he did.

      If he’d fessed up that he was drunk idiot who did a dumb thing, and accepted the consequences like a man, I reckon the public would forgive him. But NOBODY likes a person, especially a “celebrity”, who tries to cut and run the way D’Arcy has.

      Reply

    • Rose says:

      04:20pm | 22/02/12

      “On Friday, D’Arcy apologized to Cowley in court: “I am extremely sorry, if there was anything I could do to take it back I would,” he said.” That’s npt an apology, that’s an attempt to look apologetic in order to reduce the consequences. An apology would have been a phone call or letter, selling his car or other asset, or otherwise coming up with funds, in order to pay some level of compensation. An apology would have been something other than a sentence in court!

    • wolf says:

      12:43pm | 22/02/12

      “It’s been almost four years to the day that D’Arcy’s Olympic dream was shattered and his life turned upside down. “
      Should read:
      “IIt’s been almost four years to the day that Simon Cowley’s face was shattered and his life turned upside down.”

      Reply

    • Mark Young says:

      01:56pm | 22/02/12

      Spot on wolf, exactly my thoughts

    • Debs says:

      12:44pm | 22/02/12

      He will make a great doctor methinks smile

      Reply

    • M says:

      12:49pm | 22/02/12

      I agree. Let the kid have a go at the olympics, he’s paid dearly for a split second decision and I’m sure he regrets it now. To continue to punish him for a one off indiscretion is un-Australian.

      Reply

    • DocBud says:

      02:21pm | 22/02/12

      I’m sure he regrets the impact it has had on his life, but he doesn’t give the impression that he gives a stuff about the impact it has had on others. He hasn’t paid nearly as dearly as the court decided he should and until he does he should not be allowed to compete for Australia. We wouldn’t let a prisoner out of jail to compete and we shouldn’t let someone with an unpaid fine compete.

    • Helen says:

      12:57pm | 22/02/12

      Quote: “It’s been almost four years to the day that D’Arcy’s Olympic dream was shattered and his life turned upside down.” No Sam. it’s been four years since Nick shattered his owns dreams and turned his own life, and another family’s life, upside down.

      Reply

    • Bomb78 says:

      01:02pm | 22/02/12

      If it is alright for him to be picked now, he should have been allowed to go to Beijing.
      If he does go to London, I won’t watch. Not just the swimming, but I’ll give the whole lota miss. It will prove the AOC is just as baseless as any other major sporting organisation in this country. The guy is a thug, he shows no contrition either to his victim or to the sport he damaged four years ago.
      The true glory of sport isn’t the medal count, but the stories that go with the athletes. Unfortunatly, the story with this athlete will tarnish not only himself, but also those around him as his participation devalues what it means to be an Australian Olympian.

      Reply

    • Tropical says:

      01:04pm | 22/02/12

      Peolple like D’arcy will never get a fair gio not when the media is judge, jury and executioner.
      When and if he graduates as a doctor the media will not focus on his achievement, the entire focus will be on his past.
      I am sure in due course Cowley will get what is owed to him. It will just take a while. And the media will always be there to remind him, his family and his future partners.

      Reply

    • James1 says:

      02:47pm | 22/02/12

      If he graduates as a doctor, he will never be able to practice medicine because he has been convicted of a violent crime.

      Violent criminals do not make good doctors, and as such are not allowed to be practicing doctors.

    • Phill says:

      01:08pm | 22/02/12

      I agree what he has done since is what matters.  Like admitting he did wrong and giving a sincere apology.  And despite going bankrupt still making an attemp to pay some of the debt since then for moral reasons.  Hang on,...

      Sorry, i struggle to feel for someone who has behaved like a princess since doing something like that.  Personal responsibilty goes a long way.

      Reply

    • The Machiavellian says:

      01:23pm | 22/02/12

      Is this cash for comment?
      You make me want to puke!
      And the moral lesson for Tim: Many a smart legal mind uses the bankruptcy laws to avoid responsibility.
      Many ethical people have negotiated a long term arrangement to settle their debts directly with creditors.
      What this young man needs is a good moral guide. He will rue this for the rest of his life. And then there is Karma!

      Reply

    • jason says:

      01:29pm | 22/02/12

      Your are correct Sam. It is what he has done since that matters most. He has declared himself bankrupt to avoid paying compensation to the Simon Cowley. He smashed the blokes face in, declared bankruptcy to avoid paying the compensation and wants the publics sympathy. What a joke. Maybe Simon Cowley could decide if he can swim for Australia if he qualifies.

      Reply

    • Michael says:

      01:32pm | 22/02/12

      Geez Sam, have you got tickets on D’arcy or what?

      He is a thug without a conscience. Those who know him realise this.

      Representing your country is a privilege not a right. It is clear that the public feels his actions are enough that this privilege should be removed from the offer for him. There are plenty of other talented swimmers being produced in Australia. Simon Cowley was one..

      Reply

    • Scott says:

      01:33pm | 22/02/12

      Re Jordan,
      What are you talking about?? Simon Cowley isn’t chasing media attention!! He is chasing medical bills!! He was King hit in the side of the face while sitting down minding his business!
      Simon won three gold medals at the Commonwealth games and retired before his life was turned upside down by a true “No body”!!
      Until I see D’Arcy man up, apologise and attempt to pay back his dues I dont want to see him ANYWHERE near the Australian team…

      Reply

    • Anna C says:

      01:50pm | 22/02/12

      I think Nick D’Arcy is a scumbag for abrogating his responsibilities by declaring himself bankrupt.

      He should go and get himself a job (because competitive swimming is not a full time occupation) and pay Simon Cowley what is owed to him.

      Reply

    • Kika says:

      04:02pm | 22/02/12

      Absolutely. Declaring bankruptcy is just another one of this bad decisions which will have long term consequences for him.

    • Courtney Beaton says:

      01:51pm | 22/02/12

      Remember for a moment he is a SWIMMER - not a business man, not a mining magnate, not Chris Brown and he is not making any money through endorsements or PR opportunities.

      He has shied away from all of this, he has been forced away from all of this, I am not sure he had any other option, but file for bankruptcy – a decision that will subsequently affect him for the rest of his life.

      For those arguing ‘sports people’ get away with everything,  I don’t know of anyone - public profile or not - who has suffered such a public prosecution across four years. I don’t condone what he did in that split second retaliation, but everyone deserves a shot at redemption. Let him have it.

      Reply

    • marley says:

      02:39pm | 22/02/12

      Well actually, he’s a young man with a university degree who could get a job and start paying off what he owes.  That was his other option.

    • Kika says:

      04:15pm | 22/02/12

      Exactly. He could have owned up to his failures. But instead he chose to skip out of them.

      And seriously, if Mummy and Daddy could pay for those expensive lawyers he could have paid off the fine!

    • Mike says:

      01:55pm | 22/02/12

      Pretty unfair to compare this thug to Carney.

      Carney may be a boofhead and a goose on the grog, but I can’t remember the last time he shattered a man’s jaw at a pub?

      Pull your head in, Sam!

      Reply

    • Trog says:

      01:57pm | 22/02/12

      I reckon that he should be allowed to get back on his feet. Missing out on one Olympics is more than enough punishment.

      I think that if he deserves this chance, he would be smart enough and moral enough to the right thing by Cowley as soon as the sponsorship money rolls in.

      Reply

    • TheBrad says:

      02:01pm | 22/02/12

      Olympic athletes represent the countries for which they compete.

      As an Australian, I do not believe Nick Darcy is our best representation.

      A convicted criminal with assault charges and now a bankruptcy to boot! Nick Darcy attempts to make Australia believe that he is the victim through all this (something Simon Cowley may dispute!) and is yet to fully appreciate the damage he has done to the Cowley’s, Swimming Australia and the Nation as a whole. He doesn’t deserve to compete purely on character grounds as a bare minimum.

      Reply

    • Cam says:

      02:03pm | 22/02/12

      He was 19 and was slapped in the face in front of his friends and colleagues. I defy anyone here to say they wouldn’t have done SOMETHING in the heat of the moment. It’s very hard to turn the other cheek in that situation, particularly when ALL parties involved have a belly full of grog and huge testosterone fuelled ego to boot.

      Darcy is a goose, but that shouldn’t stop him from competing at hte London Olympics

      Reply

    • Surely says:

      03:13pm | 22/02/12

      Agreed . Also I dont believe he intended to smash the guys Jaw. My advice, dont go around slapping people in the face.

    • Hacksaw says:

      09:15pm | 22/02/12

      Oh come on, even if that was true caving in half the guys face with a king hit is hardly a reasonable response.

      You do know what a cowardly act a king hit is don’t you? There’s no excusing the act.

      What makes it worse is that he’s made no attempt to repair the situation. All he’s done is tried to minimise the damage to himself so that he can get on with his life. The bloke with plates in his face and huge medical bills, that’s just his bad luck? Please.

    • Country Karen says:

      02:09pm | 22/02/12

      You have got to be kidding me…...yep this bloke stuffed up.  He was young - that’s what young people do.  And I do beleive more going on that we know about to have that kind of reaction within a team.  Or maybe he was just a tosser - but I think all of us did some stupid stuff when we were young. 

      As far as representing Australia - you have seriously got to be kidding me.  Shane Warne is OK?  Politicians who use public money for prostitutes is OK?  Politicians who beat their wives are OK?  And we play sport against countries who still think its OK to rape women, and then blame the woman.  Ands lets not forget the whole apartheid fiasco. 

      He’s a swimmer - let him swim - the rest of it is none of our business unless we’re going to hold ALL OF US to the same contrived standard.

      Reply

    • mike says:

      02:09pm | 22/02/12

      d’arcy has apologised AND shown remorse!! Anyone who knows anything about the situationw ould know that!!  its just not while walking out of court with 30 journo’s shoving microphones in his face.
      he’s had his personal life played out in the media for almost 4 years, got a criminal record and been declared bankrupt, so to anyone who thinks he has it easy going forward, think again when it comes to simple things like getting a job… he’s a young man just out of uni, what uni student has $180,000 to pay cowley?
      I for one, seriously hope he makes the team and swims well!

      Reply

    • marley says:

      05:43pm | 22/02/12

      I’ve seen the apology.  I haven’t seen any remorse.  And yes, he’s got a criminal record, as he should have.  Bankruptcy was his decision and it doesn’t attest to his character.  I know people graduating from uni with more than that in debt, and they pay it off over time. What makes D’Arcy any different?

    • Harry says:

      02:10pm | 22/02/12

      Awesome post and so true. he has been punished enough for something that happens thousands of times a year in the cross. Cowley has tried everything to ruin Nick.  Not only is he not allowed to study medicine he was taken off the olympic team fined, racked up thousands in lawyer bills.  We cant hang one bad decision over a 21 year olds head forever. Everyone needs to grow up and let the man do what he is good at!

      Reply

    • fitter says:

      04:04pm | 22/02/12

      Harry - it happens a thousand times a year in the cross? So what mate? that makes it ok does it? What about all the bill’s cowley has racked up?  This BS about being slapped BTW was denied by cowley and several eye witnesses, the he slapped me was darcy trying to justify his aggressive violent actions. Most unprovoked assualts use the same defence. I cant believe anyone is defending this dubious character. King hitting a guy shows he’s a coward with no balls, not to mention a real man would fork out the money for all the damage he’s caused rather than declaring backruptcy to run and avoid the debt. ( which he caused!) Consider this, you get king hit on a night out, it costs you 180k to have your face repaired, and you would be cool with this outcome would you? seriously - you and mike should both give yourself uppercuts…

    • Mark T says:

      02:27pm | 22/02/12

      Great article Sam! You have completely hit the nail on the head. Nick has certainly paid the price for his actions and it is refreshing to see someone acknowledge this.

      Its disappointing to see so many people harbor such hateful thoughts towards Nick after everything he has endured. Yes, he made a mistake and yes he paid the price. Simon’s ACA story turned a lot of people against Nick as they believed he walked away from the civil case scott free. This is completely false and a fabrication of Simon’s Lawyer. Nick’s trust accountant has publicly stated that Nick made numerous offers to Simon, covering the entirety of his medical bills, these offers however, were rejected. It was then held in court that Nicks actions were ‘self defense with excessive force’ which resulted in Nick owing $180,000 in damages, which he obviously did not have.

      Nick now has to live with a criminal record, bankruptcy, a broken dream, and a bad reputation for the rest of his life.

      He has paid the price and as you have said Sam, lets move on.

      Reply

    • James1 says:

      02:40pm | 22/02/12

      Not sure what good entering medical school will do him.  Given that he has been convicted as a violent criminal for an unprovoked assault which caused grievous bodily harm, it will be very difficult for him to ever find work in any position of responsibility, such as those given to most medical workers (even nurses).  My understanding (which could be flawed, and is based on the system in the Australian Capital Territory) is that he will be unable to interact with patients due to his violent criminal record, which would only leave a career in medical research as the only option.

      Reply

    • Bob says:

      02:48pm | 22/02/12

      I do not like the example it sets for my kids. Some one who goes to the Olympics should set a good example to our aspiring athletes. Walking away from a punishment by declaring bankruptcy is not setting a good example.

      I expect better from the AOC it is not okay to set a bad example by using steroids but it is okay to king hit someone and not accept the punishment. NO MORE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM ME TO THE AOC

      Reply

    • Steve Putnam says:

      04:55pm | 22/02/12

      The AOC have got to be joking if they so much as consider this gutless little king-hit merchant for selection. Not content with the pain and suffering he’s caused, he’s totally dogged it by declaring himself bankrupt.
      Some of the comments about how he should be judged only by what he can do in the pool are beyond belief. Clearly some people on this site are as psychotic as Nick D’Arcy is.

    • stephen says:

      02:57pm | 22/02/12

      I’d like to know how he got into medical school ?
      If he’s crimes were that bad, surely on character terms alone at the interview he would have been excluded ?
      But we did not hear the court case and what actually happened in the bar, so I would think that there are mitigating circumstances to his crime ... and anyway, he should still be able to compete either way, crimes and cowardices notwithstanding.

      Reply

    • Yon Toad says:

      03:10pm | 22/02/12

      ICB.  The poor dear deserves another chance. Tough. Let Cowley decide.

      Reply

    • Kika says:

      04:11pm | 22/02/12

      Is Nick DArcy your boyfriend or something Sam?

      Listen, Swimming is a sport dear to our hearts. We love our swim stars. They are our darlings. Whether or not this is good or bad and unncessarily putting them all up as heroes whether or not they deserve it. But we don’t take too kindly when one acts like a moron and slaps his mate on the face just because. From all accounts there wasn’t even a fight. Nick was drunk and decided to slap Cowley on the face so hard his jaw broke.

      Now I don’t know about you, but neither me or my friends has decided to slap one another when drunk so hard we broke someone’s jaw for fun before.

      Punishment is one thing. He managed to get out of doing jail time for assault. Most of us probably wouldn’t get that luxury. Nick obviously could afford a good legal team and as well all know those with the cash don’t go to jail. So he got a fine.

      He skipped out of that one too.

      To me, that’s low. He had to admit guilt to avoid prolonged court action and a potential seriously miffed judge not looking too well onto this young arrogant upstart. So he admits fault, and get’s slapped with a fine and files bankruptcy and expect us all to forgive? I don’t really think we need to forgive. He didn’t break my jaw. He broke Cowley’s. Cowley has lost out on a career, sponsorships and his dreams because of a stupid arrogant moron having a brain snap and doing something he will never have to be responsible for.

      Well, filing bankruptcy may be a short term solution but it will be with him forever. Insurance, Loans, Passports, Visas… Good luck Nick.

      Reply

    • Shane says:

      08:45pm | 22/02/12

      Cowley slapped Nick first. Nick was shocked and when Cowley continued to confront him (he claims he wanted to shake hands) then Nick punched him. It’s all in the judgement on caselaw.com.au. You can google it.

    • fresh chicken says:

      04:24pm | 22/02/12

      who was Simon Cowley ? A British TV and Film Actor ?

      Reply

    • Scotty says:

      05:45pm | 22/02/12

      Surely if Simon Cowley wanted some of that 180 G that D’arcy owes him, preventing D’Arcy from attending the Olympics, thus limiting his chances of receiving sponsorships / endorsements is counter-intuitive. Cowley needs to move on.

      Reply

    • marley says:

      07:28pm | 22/02/12

      Ummm, since D’Arcy has declared bankruptcy, whether he makes a zillion out of the Olympics or not, Cowley won’t collect a dime.

    • Horthy says:

      07:32pm | 22/02/12

      “D’Arcy hasn’t been in trouble since.”

      So what? That makes it okay? That means we should count him as a fair representative? C’mon man, call a spade a spade. He apologised but he didn’t follow through, he declared bancruptcy to relinquish his responsibilty of payment.

      You think that’s cool? That’s not cool.

      AOC and Swimming Australia were summed up reasonably well years ago:

      “We produce a Norman May; Not a Norman Mailer”

      Reply

    • FWG says:

      08:15am | 23/02/12

      I dot think that this is the type of person should represent Austrailain anything let alone the Olympics,what sort of message do think this will send to our kids,It,s OK to venerate people like this lacking in moral fibre and responsibilty for there actions as long as thay win a gold medal

      Reply

    • Ross says:

      10:23am | 23/02/12

      Nick DArcy winning a medal means nothing to me I could not care less. Who is publicly representing me on a world stage does , this is not a man this is a violent piece of crap. I just hope a lot of people piss in his lane . May he never know a moment without his deeds weighing him down.

      Reply

    • james w says:

      03:51pm | 23/02/12

      to all of you… get off the net and start doing something for yourself before you start thinking you know anything! simon cowley has made more money off the media for getting punched then he will ever get from the courts, secondly nick offered to pay for his damages, but why would cowley accept it when he can make millions off shaming darcy on ACA tody tonight 60 minutes… list goes on! think about u morons

      Reply

    • ben says:

      05:05pm | 23/02/12

      Nice wilkman, I can’t even believe half the shit people have posted. Half of them get the facts completely wrong and the other half think they know exactly what is going on and try to take the moral high ground by defending a low-life, who the media have represented as innocent and under-compensated.

    • wendy says:

      09:39pm | 23/02/12

      I’d be here all night if I made a list of all the worse things football players have done and been forgiven for. Double standards people?

      They are both idiots for drinking and fighting. James is right, Nick tried to offer a payment plan to Simon but was rejected by his lawyer as they wanted 100% payment otherwise they were going to continue selling their story to whoever would listen and threatened to ruin his chances of ever competing for Australia again.

      The decision has been made to let Nick swim, that should be the end of it. 

      As for Simon, I think it’s time to let it go and start building a new life for himself. People have had a lot worse happen to them and they have turned their life around. He had made more money out of selling his story than he would have got out of Nick, this continued need to public attention maybe shows what sort of person he is.

      Reply

    • Kipling says:

      05:46am | 24/02/12

      Hi life was turned upside down by his own behaviour choices and demonstrated lack of taking responsibility.

      Bankrupt? Hmm could be just another symptom of not taking responsibility really.

      No sympathy and definitely no support. The guy behaved like a cowardly thug and has done nothing to demonstrate any other attributes, oh except perhaps he has no business managment skills…

      Reply

    • Chris McH says:

      07:45am | 19/03/12

      What Darcy has done since then is in character with the assault. Such biased journalism; such selective choice of facts and dimissive justification for declaring bankruptcy (was not having his lawyers sit down and negotiate future payments possible?). No it is NOT enough to say let it go, because while Darcy moves on Simon does not. As I have noted before, knowing first hand about compensation battles, people who support Darcy should understand that (1) Darcy was found guilty of assaulting Simon Cowley (2) that compensation for Simon Cowley was set to cover medical costs, legal costs, loss of income, and to the LESSER amount pain and suffering, i.e. largely to pay costs Cowley incurred SOLEY because of Darcy’s actions (3) that by taking the cowardly option of declaring bankruptcy Darcy, not only assaulted Cowley but also made Cowley pay for his medical and legal costs and bear the loss of income as a result of his assault. I continue to call on people to boycott all sponsors who take on Darcy and to turn their back if he goes to the Olympics (someone please stop this shame from happening, even if it has to be officials from London stopping him at entry). An alternative… if Darcy really wants to show some character, would be to contractually pay all sponsorship money to Simon UNTIL his debt is paid in full. Surely we cannot support this person’s actions. I for one will use social media and any other means to convince potential/current sponsors that association with Darcy will do their name.brand much more harm than good.

      Reply

    • John S says:

      10:57am | 19/03/12

      I agree 110%,  what happens if he wins a medal?  is he a hero?  Never, until he has paid his debt as set by the court instead of wimping out, he will never be a true olympian.  I also hope the sponsors do not associate with him, what is the message to society, bash someone get tried by the court, then wimp out and all is forgotten NO WAY

    • Chris McH says:

      12:29pm | 19/03/12

      The point I think most people like the author of this article miss is that they seem to think that Simon Cowley didn’t “win” $180,000 by D"Arcy declaring bankrupt. NO, Simon Cowley must have had somewhere in the order of $150,000 estimated medical costs and loss of income, money he would not have spent or would have made if D’Arcy didn’t assault him. And Simon’s legal bills must also be around $100,000. So the reality is that by D’Arcy declaring himself bankrupt Simon has to pay D’Arcy’s bills.

      Reply

    • Fly says:

      01:48pm | 22/03/12

      The focus of this article was on the fact that D’Arcy deserves a shot at the Olympics without being constantly put down by the public. Being a former elite 200 butterflyer myself,  I know how hard he works and how brutal swimming is as a sport.

      Years of putting yourself through pain come down to a matter of seconds to make or break your career. Not many people understand the immensity of that pressure.

      I couldn’t believe how the Australian public and media reacted when he hit Cowley. Just last week I saw a headline about a footballer who hit his girlfriend - a common news story, but we’re still talking about D’Arcy all these years later.

      It’s no excuse for his behaviour but I completely agree with Sam, give the guy a break.

      Reply
 
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