In An Effort To Please Everyone, AFL Cancels Snoop Dogg And Hires Josh Kennedy To Sing Paul Kelly’s “Leaps and Bounds” With Lin Jong Providing Hand Claps

ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact

The AFL has cancelled Snoop Dogg’s appearance at the Grand Final and replaced him with former West Coast forward Josh Kennedy.

Kennedy will sing Paul Kelly’s “Leaps and Bounds” on the at half time, once, accompanied by former Western Bulldogs midfielder Lin Jong, who will provide hand claps.

The decision follows criticism of Snoop Dogg’s booking after the rapper made homophobic remarks during a recent interview. In addition to those most recent remarks, the American has a long criminal history and has several misogynistic lyrics that have no place in football. AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon had defended the original decision earlier this week, citing Snoop’s global profile, but sources confirm the league opted to change course late last night.

An AFL spokesperson said the change was made to ensure the focus remains on football. The spokesperson said Kennedy and Jong were selected because they are widely respected across the game and unlikely to create problems.

The spokesperson said “Leaps and Bounds” was chosen because it references the MCG and was considered safe.

Kennedy will receive weekly singing lessons between today’s date and the Grand Final.

The spokesperson said the revised entertainment schedule meets community expectations. The AFL will not be providing further comment on the matter and considers it closed.

More to come.