Izzy really going to keep stirring the pot?

I’M NOT sure if I want to commend or condemn Israel Folau.

On one hand I cannot and never will stand by or support Folau’s views on homosexuality and same-sex marriage.

But on the other hand I appreciate his right to free speech and you almost have to admire his refusal to “stay silent” on a matter that is clearly important to him.

Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle has gone so far as to say it is the “singularly most difficult thing” she has ever had to deal with in her career.

I met Israel Folau when he was in Toowoomba and I can honestly say he was a fantastic bloke – passionate, humble and very giving of his time.

What I don’t understand is why he is seemingly “stirring the pot” with his latest Twitter activity, an 11-minute long sermon by the late American evangelist David Wilkerson warning against tolerating same-sex marriage, upping the ante.

For years Folau has been one of Australian sports most recognisable and influential athletes – a passionate spokesperson, a great teammate and gifted athlete.

As a result of that status he can and does wield a great deal of influence.

But I think it might be time that our celebrities and athletes stuck a little closer to their fields of influence.

By all means tell us about what it takes to be a great athlete and teammate.

Tell us all about issues that might affect you directly like racism in sport, your personal battles or how you juggle the demands of parenting and being a professional athlete.

Unfortunately we often see and hear athletes offering advice or comment simply because they can.

Asking our celebrities and athletes is never going to be that easy though, is it.

After all, they can use their status to influence the world around them in a positive manner. And who gets to decide what is right and wrong?