In an announcement today, AFL Commission Chair Richard Goyder revealed that former player Barry Cable has been immediately removed from the Australian Football Hall of Fame. Additionally, Cable will no longer bear the title of one of the game’s official Legends. The decision comes in the wake of a disturbing court ruling against Cable.
The AFL Commission’s decision was taken in Melbourne today, consequent to a judgement made by Judge Mark Herron in the District Court of Western Australia. Cable was found guilty of sexually assaulting a minor repeatedly during his playing career, with persuasive evidence suggesting he abused other children as well.
Goyder, who also presides over the Hall of Fame selection committee, revealed that the Commission had asked the AFL Executive to invite a response from Cable regarding the ruling last week. According to Goyder, Cable provided a written response, which the Commission took into account during their deliberations.
In a public statement, Goyder expressed his concern and sympathy for the victims, stating: “The finding of Judge Herron was incredibly serious and distressing, and the thoughts of the AFL Commission are entirely with the victim who bravely told her story and the other women who courageously came forward during the course of the trial to tell their stories. We acknowledge the courage it has taken to reach an outcome through the courts in WA.”
He further added, “Once the court ruling was handed down, it was incumbent on the Commission and the game to immediately examine the facts of this matter, and the horrific nature of these events required that Barry Cable can no longer be considered for any honours that the Hall of Fame or football can bestow.”
Goyder indicated that at their last meeting, the Commission had taken a decisive step to alter the charter for the Australian Football Hall of Fame. This change included a new section allowing the AFL Commission to remove any person who brings the AFL, the Hall of Fame inductee, any AFL Club, or Australian football into disrepute.
The new wording of section 5.12 of the Hall of Fame charter, concerning the removal of an inductee, was released. It stipulates that if an inductee is found guilty of conduct or crimes that could harm the reputation of AFL or is prejudicial to the interests of AFL, the Commission has the authority to suspend or remove the inductee from the Hall of Fame.
Capping off his statement, Goyder said, “As a result, the Commission unanimously resolved today to remove Barry Cable from the Australian Football Hall of Fame, effective immediately.” This marks a significant move by the Commission, reaffirming their commitment to uphold the integrity of the game and protect the reputation of the AFL.
