Ah, streaking… One of those strange sporting traditions that was once considered a bit of harmless fun, but seems to be going out of fashion as mobile phone cameras continue their campaign to capture every single misstep we ever take in our lives.
The streakers were clearly alive and well over the weekend, however, with the news that three men who bared it all during the annual charity gig/footy match, the Reclink Community Cup, have been charged with “indecent and obscene behaviour” by the Victorian Police, who are also trying to identify a fourth man.
As The Herald Sun reports, their antics have earned each of the men, who are all in their 20s, a fine of $626. But as local Yarra councillor for Yarra Stephen Jolly pointed out, the charges could carry with them much more serious repercussions.
Mr. Jolly described the charges as “over the top”, adding that “It was just a few people having a bit of fun and now their lives could potentially be ruined.”
Chief Executive of Reclink John Ballis, however, has applauded the move, considering the family-oriented nature of the event.
“Under no circumstances would we condone streaking at any Reclink event,” he told The Herald Sun, “which includes the Community Cup.”
The event, which raises around $100,000 annually to help people from disadvantaged communities, was the first stop on a tour that continues on around the country in the coming months, with the next event kicking off in Adelaide on Sunday July 16.
While police in different states may be more accepting of the practice, let this be a warning to anyone who might be considering getting their kit off.