GEELONG footballer Billie Smedts has kicked off the silly season by posting an image of himself online apparently driving with his knees while using a mobile phone.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Police and the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) - which sponsors Geelong - lashed out at the former North Warrnambool player's Instagram post this morning.
The image, which was posted to the footballer's 10,000 followers, appears to show Smedts driving back to Warrnambool for Christmas using his knees on the steering wheel while holding a GoPro camera fixed to a pole outside the car.
TAC chief executive Janet Dore told Fairfax Media this morning she was astonished by Smedts' actions.
"I'm just wondering what his parents would think if he lost control of the car, went off the road and died," Ms Dore said.
"I understand the club will be taking action.
"So many fatalities in the last two weeks have been because of distractions ... people need to realise that they've got to be alert."
Ms Dore said the TAC had spoken with the Geelong Football Club this morning about Smedts' behaviour.
Victoria Police's head of road policing operations Superintendent Neville Taylor said he was disappointed by the footballer's actions.
"Isn't it disappointing to see this type of behaviour?" he said.
"We don't know if the car was moving or not but it's about the perception.
"If you have a high profile in the community, your behaviour influences others."
Superintendent Taylor said he was seeking advice from high patrol offices on the matter but doubted whether police would pursue the case as a criminal matter.
"We need to determine if the vehicle was moving and what are the offences committed ... I'd rather have my people out on the road where the drivers can see them."
The Standard has been unable to reach Mr Smedts for comment.
The player was drafted to Geelong in 2010 after playing for the North Warrnambool Eagles.
The creative forward has played 27 games in three seasons.