I dont think so. He is entitled to religion, definitely. I respect its importance to him and his right to follow it. But i'll always have a right to free-thought about it and post it on the internet. Basically, Alex lives in a country where 50% of the population doesn't think religion exist. Thats the world he has to live in when making that decision.
As someone who does not believe in religion, I can respect Alex's right to have it - but at the same time feel sad that he can't feel both his passion for footy, richmond and his teammates could not live alongside his passion for god and his family. To quote the lil taco girl...... Why not have both?
As "brave" a decision he is making for himself, it's a totally gut-wrenching one for his teammates that literally cried tears on the field when he did his knee. He had 40 teammates just chomping at the bit to win another flag with & for him. Thats not just nothing because "god" is involved. He was part of a team and based on the fact Grimes only saod 2 days ago he looked incredible at training, he has 40 blokes who just had a giant fart in their face a week before Xmas. They would be pretty gutted, i am sure they will say "theyare happy for him" - but deep down, you would have to be thinking WTF mate?
Add to that the timing of it being after the draft, before Xmas - the fact his message was not very convincing and seemed a little passionless and methodical - & finally he was, indeed, contracted (perhaps with an escape clause for this) - Rance may have been a flawless player when it came to on and off the field during his career - unfortuantely his retirement was not handled as such.
Still love the guy and am so thankful for what he did for the club. He changed the unchangeable. Sad his retirement was way too soon, especially since he was apparently very fit and prepared for 2020.