I can't fault the guy. Whether you like him or not, you have to admit the guy is an expert on handling crocodiles and if you had to trust anybody in that situation it has to be Steve Irwin.
I'm not an expert and neither or any of you (if I'm wrong please PM with your credentials and I'll apologize
) so if Steve Irwin the expert tells me that there was little or no danger then I believe him.
The only thing Mr. Irwin did wrong was to do it in front of the media that couldn't wait to put it on the big screen and a public that didn't hesitate an instant to pass judgment.