Heath Shaw undoubtedly said the wrong thing but why were the Greater Western Sydney star's ill-advised remarks broadcast to a national audience?
That's the question several prominent football identities were asking as Shaw issued an apology to Sydney's Tom Papley on Sunday.
Shaw was picked up on an umpire's microphone calling Papley a "f***ing retard" during the local derby at the SCG on Saturday night.
Fox Footy commentator Jason Dunstall immediately apologised after the remark was put to air.
But Richmond coach Damien Hardwick joined Sydney premiership coach Paul Roos and St Kilda CEO Matt Finnis in questioning the broadcaster's role
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"I think Heath would be a bit embarrassed by that but it probably more so begs the question 'Do we really need mics?" Hardwick said.
"Is it Heath's problem or is the broadcaster's?
"They've got a delay button they can probably press ... we don't want to hear swearing with kids watching on TV.
"Heath's got a responsibility but I think the broadcasters do as well in limiting (the broadcast of) that sort of profanity.
"From the broadcasting point-of-view I'd be taking it further ... I don't think we need that profanity on TV."
The incident occurred after Papley put Shaw in a headlock during the intense clash.
The GWS defender took to Twitter on Sunday to offer his apology.
"I want to apologise for the insensitive comment I made to Tom Papley during last night's game," Shaw said.
"Yes I am a fiery person who plays with a lot of passion and emotion but that is no excuse for my actions last night.
"I apologise to Tom and anyone else who took offence to my comments, I deeply regret them.
"There is no place for comments of that nature on or off the football ground. It was an offensive remark that I should never have made and for that I apologise."
The Giants won by 42 points, but are sweating on the availability of Toby Greene after he was reported for rough conduct in a first-quarter incident involving Sydney's Isaac Heeney.
The club must await the AFL match review panel's assessment of the incident ahead of Friday's clash with the Bulldogs in Canberra.
The Giants and Bulldogs both head into their first clash since last year's epic preliminary final game boasting 4-1 records.
