News Hawthorn Racism Review - No player name speculation - opposition posters tread very carefully

[Strapping Young Lad]

Wrong. Hawks did what they had to do by the rules of the AFL.

Correct. For reference below, once the HFC had the report outlining serious allegations they were duty bound by the AFL’s protocol to hand over the report to the AFL integrity unit.

I will pin this post, as it seems to be a constant query.

 

[Ned Ryerson]

They'll both be gone.

He’s not wrong - but Robbo’s undying love of Hird makes him a massive hypocrite.

 

[Mitchell Madness]

Not trolling, but part of what alarms me is that SEN are now reporting that the club and AFL had originally planned on not releasing any of this information whatsoever.

That's reprehensible.

There's one thing in this to think about - was it to protect the players, or protect the league/club?
The players do not want to be named, which may be reason the club didn't want to release it

 

[Holy Rioli]

Even if the interviewed players backtrack their stories or Clarkson (please don't call him Clarko - a nickname is a term of endearment and I don't think he endears to us at the moment) comes out and says well what happened is player X came to me and said my Mrs is preggers and I think she's gonna try and take all my money and I want the clubs help to leave her break up with her and that's why I haven't been focused at training etc it can't and won't save him.

In what world does a head coach think he has the right to play the role of a standover man demanding a woman gets an abortion?

I feel sick by all of this, it just wreaks of Stolen Generation behaviour.

I love our club and will continue to support them but we cannot continue with the family club moniker and need to drop this asap.

Sorry I'm finding it hard to concentrate and have just dumped a heap of just personal thoughts that are pretty incoherent.

 

[kenneje]

Not trolling, but part of what alarms me is that SEN are now reporting that the club and AFL had originally planned on not releasing any of this information whatsoever.

That's reprehensible.

Really hope that isn't true, but if so i'm glad it has been leaked.

It's just so ****ing sad, I feel like we have sold our soul for a few trophies.

I agree that all accused have their right of reply and deserve due process as the accusations are extremely serious. However it won't surprise me in the slightest if they are true - the last 12-18 months have been incredibly eye opening.

Embarassing to be a Hawthorn supporter today.

 

[Hawker55]

It was my understanding from the article that these events occured over an extended period of time - some of which Kennett was absent for and some of which he was present.

I think a lot of the Kennett finger pointing is due to his recorded behaviour in this area, and the manner to which he responded at the time - and how it demonstrates that he was a part of that culture which carried out the disgusting actions brought up in the article. Whenever he was present at the club it was in a leadership position that was above the responsible staff mentioned in the article, and it is the case always that 'a fish rots from the head down'.

Being in leadership positions like President or CEO for that matter come with an exceptional amount of power, with that comes exceptional responsibility to all that is influenced by that power, even beyond that powers presence or attendance. Something of this significance has to be pinned not only on the directly responsible parties but their superiors; Kennett AND Newbold.

Jeff Kennett was/ is responsible for the state of the public education system and it's infrastructure, and the public health system and it's infrastructure in Victoria, regardless of when his Premiership ended. It is irrelivant whether Kennett was present for all or none of what transpired, he AND Andrew Newbold can and should be held accountable. It is a part of leadership.

The bloke unashamedly collects golliwog dolls. I don't think he's a racist, but I do think he has a lack of understanding of how things can be perceived and lacks selfawareness, which is pretty much a key aspect of being a respected, successful leader.

 

[Guerrahappyteam]

I wouldn't be surprised if WorkSafe tear us apart over this.

Fair Work Commission and Australian Human Rights Commission also. We deserve everything coming our way.

 

[theiaofseed]

One thing is for sure, we as a club never had the systems/ indigenous welfare officers at our club when it was badly needed to assist. (The gentleman that was previously interviewed after the Cyril release told us it was a role he held that was part time and basically ticking a box by the club and the culture was one of “win at all costs”)

Hawthorn said back when the report was commissioned they would be making no further comment until the findings of the report were in.

Why did the ABC run with it online before we made any comment?

It leaves us open to accusations of us trying to cover things up again.

Some tough times ahead for our club.

What was reported by the ABC wasn't uncovered with the report.

 

[edster]

Finally took time to read the article in full. Not only was it a tough read it. I literally thought this type of crap only happens at some small alternative religious cults. Typical cult leader claiming they are the second coming therefore he/she has all the answers and intelligence over people beneath them. Therefore justified controlling every minuscule details personal life of its members, by separation them from family friends and outside support groups and individuals. All in the words of "we are a family" "sacrifice for the greater good" "club is bigger than the individual" etc etc... this is cult like behaviour.
This is why in every workplace that every person in power and leadership roles needs to constantly be reviewed and constantly be upskilled regardless of success and position. Time and time again in human history if shit go unchecked due to too much success or over failiure shit can get out of hand quickly because humans unfortunately have an uncanny way of justifying control over others due to our egos.

 

[WestCoast05]

This is smack bang shocking new news to me.

Is this something that there had been rumours or unsubstantiated stories or is this coming out of left field?
It doesn't even sound like something remotely possible to pull off in the past 20 years - the 60s or 70s maybe.

I know there was the whole Kennet ripped jeans comment but I think that was a big nothing and way too much of a fuss was made (dumb Dad joke), this is something else entirely. Apologies if this has been answered already in the thread.

 

[Kuuz]

Pretty grim reading.

I will hold opinion though until the full review is out and we have both sides of the story. I've worked long enough in litigation to know that all truths are stretched, and the truth often lies somewhere in the middle.

That being said, the "middle" of this, is still very, very bad and I'd at the least want to see some heads roll on the Board level, as this stinks of culture from a top-down position. Some of the apparent remarks about "living conditions" and "ability to pay rent", rings a little too closely to how Jeff spoke to Cyril.

 

[RX Hawk]

If the accusations ARE TRUE - anyone involved in these including Clarko, Fagan and other officials involved in these should not be allowed in any club not just AFL. They should be given the highest punishment that's legally possible.
This moment I think only of the victims and the trauma they had to under go. The names of the players will come out soon and hope they gather strength to support the persecution of these basterds.

 

[lethalselbow]

Quiet news day?

 

[Blackhawk42]

I hope the afl doesn’t strip us of draft picks over this.

Wouldn't make any sense.

I personally don't see what punishing the current club achieves.

The individuals accused will be (rightfully) terminated most likely.

A financial sanction or stricter operating controls around player welfare is the most likely outcome IMO.

Not trolling, but part of what alarms me is that SEN are now reporting that the club and AFL had originally planned on not releasing any of this information whatsoever.

That's reprehensible.

Was that potentially due to the sensitive information as it pertains to the victims?

I notice there has been care taken to ensure nobody can be identified.

Until we know WHY it wasn't planned on being released we shouldn't automatically assume the worst.

 

[Roger Rogerson]

Agree.
Amon would've already signed the contract and knew that the investigation had taken place.

Got to question whether he would have been made aware of the seriousness of the allegations though. No-one has seen this coming. We all knew about the investigation into racism but not claims of coercion.

 

[A Cut Above]

They'll both be gone.

Really have to wonder what sort of tune Robbo would be singing if this were James Hird in the gun instead of Clarko... little doubt he'd be falling over himself to provide excuses for him.

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

They'll both be gone.

I think they should be, but it won’t surprise me if they give them the opportunity to stand down, wait for the dust to settle** and then bring them back.

I’m trying not to post emotionally, but they absolutely should be removed from their clubs based on the statements from these passed players.

**how the dust settles on this, I don’t even know.

 

[parano1a]

Who were the three players ?

It's better not to speculate on names for legal and privacy reasons.

 

[Dragz]

Awful allegations.
Each individuals perspective is their truth. Keep that in mind.

The focus here MUST be on the well being of all people involved. Players (ex or otherwise) and their families being prioritised.

Communication is key. Knowing HOW to communicate to individuals from different cultures (Especially 1st nations people) is also something that these organisations need to do better at. We simply CANNOT treat everyone the same.

I really hope the club reach out here and make this a driver for social change.

And whilst the article calls out racism - were non-indigenous players subject to the same behaviours?

 

[CHUBBSS]

Clarko just lost his statue, everything he says in the media is just two faced now. This is dark ages stuff

 

[edster]

Who were the three players ?

Who are the players is irrelevant if the individual choose to remain anonymous. I am sure in due course there will be individuals who like to speak out if they wish and feels safe to do so.

 

[Tassie Cryptik]

I’m pro-abortion but that’s the choice of the mother. Not the footy club. It’s only footy. There are more important things in life.

I'm with you, but it's pro-choice.

 

[CD Xbow]

The bloke unashamedly collects golliwog dolls. I don't think he's a racist, but I do think he has a lack of understanding of how things can be perceived and lacks selfawareness, which is pretty much a key aspect of being a respected, successful leader.

 

[A Cut Above]

I think they should be, but it won’t surprise me if they give them the opportunity to stand down, wait for the dust to settle** and then bring them back.

I’m trying not to post emotionally, but they absolutely should be removed from their clubs based on the statements from these passed players.

**how the dust settles on this, I don’t even know.

Norf & Brisbane continuing to employ Clarko & Fagan could be taken as indirectly condoning this sort of behaviour. Don't think Brisbane would want to risk it, as for Norf they have a lot more to lose given the monster contract they've just handed Clarko - the one amusing silver lining to come out of this.

Then there's the chance the AFL steps in and actually slaps a ban on both coaches. Not sure they'd have the guts to do that, they'll probably want all this to go away as quickly & quietly as possible. Sweep it under the rug just like the drug & tanking scandals.

 

[Herne Hill Hammer]

The environment described is not the environment built by people like our giants such as Kennedy, Ryan, Ferguson and Jeans.

Neither of Kennedy or Jeans coached indigenous players at Hawthorn.

 

[Rockford]

Incredibly sad day for Indigenous Australians and the AFL. I feel for Hawks' supporters, none of you are complicit in this. I hope those affected are getting the support they need. I hope that this, finally, represents an actual turning point in everyone's attitudes towards our Indigenous brothers and sisters. And I hope that anyone responsible for the hurt publicised in the report never casts their shadow on anything AFL related again and has to answer for what they've done.