Overview
- A clip of The Jumper Punch podcast that circulated on Thursday shows host Rocco Stagnitti saying “I’d punch the f*** out of The Besties” while other hosts laughed during a discussion about a charity boxing match.
- The Carlton Besties have filed a formal complaint with the club and Stagnitti has posted an Instagram apology saying he did not intend a real threat and regrets the comment.
- Carlton has opened an inquiry through its membership department to establish whether the four men are paid-up members, because only identified members can face bans or other club sanctions.
- The episode prompted strong social media support for the Besties, public messages from players and fans demanding action, and renewed calls to address online and stadium harassment of female creators.
- The incident highlights a gap between Carlton’s annual Respects campaign against violence toward women and behaviour among some supporters, and could prompt closer scrutiny of how clubs and the AFL police member conduct and fan-driven media.