Stephen Hunt has gone on to RTE 2fm's GameOn to defend his article in the Sunday Independent. Hunt's article has been the subject of furore amongt GAA players, when he said that GAA players would struggle to adapt to the professionalism of the Premier League.
He told Hugh Cahill on GameOn that it was not his intention to upset the GAA. Rather, he was attempting to address Joe Brolly's comments that soccer players were not ideal role models when compared to their GAA counterparts.
He did not back down about his comments though, and tried to clarify that it was the culture difference between the GAA and professional football that they'd struggle to adapt to. GAA is known for it's hard work, whereas Hunt was trying to highlight the need to rest and how difficult that is to accept.
I understand when I say rest, it probably seems lazy. But that is the best thing to do as a professional athlete. Now it's not easy, as people get bored, lots of people get gambling problems, and all the stuff that comes with it.
Hunt went on to reiterate the sacrifices outlined in his original article about putting his life on hold and not leaving the house. He also moved to defend the allegation that he couldn't cope as a hurler, telling Cahill that he trained with the Wexford hurlers last summer.
Now I got a shoulder (in training with Wexford), but I got up, I smiled, and I went back again and I did it again.
You can listen to the full interview below, and listen out for his confusing quote about the difference in wages at the 7:50 mark.
If the initial reaction on Twitter was anything to go by, Hunt did not do a particularly good job of clarifying his comments.
@GameOn2FM Thought Stephen Hunt might explain himself on 2fm. Why is he comparing Soccer to GAA?
— Kevin Ivers (@K_Ivers) December 2, 2014
@RTE2fm @stephenhunt1010 @hughcahill7 Digging a bigger hole here for himself!!
— Frankie nolan (@Frankienolan16) December 2, 2014
Stephen Hunt talking absolute balls on @gameon now #stopdiggingthathole #talkingballs
— Ciaran Clifford (@ciaran_10) December 2, 2014
Stephen Hunt is a total idiot.
— Kilroy (@OfficialKilroy) December 2, 2014
Stephen Hunt talkin nonsense on da radio #shutupplease ????
— Patrick Flynn (@pa_flynn1) December 2, 2014
Stephen Hunt just get out, hasn't a clue ? @stephenhunt1010 @GameOn2FM #GAA
— Megan Lyons (@meganlyons98) December 2, 2014
See Also:
Why I Think Stephen Hunt Was Right About GAA Player Commitment
