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.

 

[Dewnior]

You’ve completely missed the entire point if you’re just getting hung up on the abortion thing. All of the behaviour described in the article was completely unacceptable in any workplace and was all inherently racist.

We don't know that yet because only former indigenous players have been interviewed. Former non-indigenous players may have been treated similarly.

 

[Ned Ryerson]

Around two weeks ago we received the results of that work. And as you can now see, some of those stories are disturbing.

So Reeves now also confirms that the content of the ABC story are also within the contents of the report. Is the semantic squad still going to play the 'but these aren't the findings of the report' game?

 

[Back One Out]

Dear members, I wanted to touch base with you all in light of some of the news and issues that have emerged in the past few days. It has been a very challenging time for our club. An important time for reflection, listening and learning. I thought it may be helpful to go back a few months to how we got to today and what will happen from here. Earlier this year, following some media reports, Hawthorn Football Club engaged external First Nations consultants to liaise with current and former First Nations players and staff to learn more about their experience at the club. This was always about finding out if any of them required any further support in their life after football and learn more about their time at Hawthorn. We did not know what we would find, but we felt it was an important and responsible thing to do. Around two weeks ago we received the results of that work. And as you can now see, some of those stories are disturbing. We are profoundly heartbroken that there are people who feel like this about their experience at our club. Upon receipt of that report, we immediately engaged AFL Integrity – both because it was a recommendation, and because it was the most appropriate next step. From here, those named in the reports would be interviewed and be given the opportunity to respond and tell their story. That leads us to where we are today where there were media reports with some of our former players and their families telling their stories publicly. The club will continue to offer support to those who have participated in this process, and their wellbeing remains our priority. We want to assure you that will continue to be the case. Some may ask why we are not releasing the actual report, and it is a good question. Many of the people who participated in the report did so on the basis that it would be confidential. We won’t breach that trust. The report also found the current environment is culturally safe. But this is something we should focus our attention on and strive for ongoing improvement. My commitment is that we will continue to do that. As you may have now seen, the AFL is commencing a process to investigate the matters fully. We are completely supportive of this and will cooperate. This may take some time, but we want to assure you all we are committed to this work, and we will keep you all up to date as appropriate. We know that the past few days have been challenging, but we must use this as an opportunity to improve our club and make it the best it can possibly be. We will be in touch with updates as they come to hand. Justin Reeves Chief Executive Officer Hawthorn Football Club

Better late than never.

You have to wonder why it took the CEO 48 hours to produce this message to the world (instead of that inadequate wish-washy crap they previously published on the website.)

Reeves received and read the report 2 weeks ago and forwarded it to the AFL. He's had follow up conversations about it with Gillon McLachlan and known in advance there would be a full AFL investigation.

So why weren't they pre-prepared for the inevitable leak? The story was going to be made public sooner or later, with or without the ABC's investigative journos. They should've been ready for the shitstorm. Essendon would've hired Melbourne's top PR firm weeks ago.

I get the feeling our club is run by amateurs in way over their heads. It's commendable that we wanted to get to the bottom of this and right the wrongs. But it's coming at a massive cost to the club. Irreparable damage has been done (and will continue to be done.)

It could've been handled way better.

 

[Ned Ryerson]

Better late than never.

You have to wonder why it took the CEO 48 hours to produce this message to the world (instead of that inadequate wish-washy crap they previously published on the website.)

Reeves received and read the report 2 weeks ago and forwarded it to the AFL. He's had follow up conversations about it with Gillon McLachlan and known in advance there would be a full AFL investigation.

So why weren't they pre-prepared for the inevitable leak? *ing amateurs. The story was going to be made public sooner or later, with or without the ABC's investigative journos. They should've been ready for shiitstorm. Essendon would've hired Melbourne's top PR firm weeks ago.

.

Reeves and Nankervis addressed the press on Wednesday afternoon.

 

[QuietB]

Better late than never.

You have to wonder why it took the CEO 48 hours to produce this message to the world (instead of that inadequate wish-washy crap they previously published on the website.)

Reeves received and read the report 2 weeks ago and forwarded it to the AFL. He's had follow up conversations about it with Gillon McLachlan and known in advance there would be a full AFL investigation.

So why weren't they pre-prepared for the inevitable leak? *ing amateurs. The story was going to be made public sooner or later, with or without the ABC's investigative journos. They should've been ready for shiitstorm. Essendon would've hired Melbourne's top PR firm weeks ago.

.

This is going to take a very very long time. 24 hours here and there is not going to make any difference.

 

[Billyc]

The anonymity issue raised by Reeves is a very delicate one. If Clarkson and Fagan deny the allegations (as they seem to) or litigate any consequences they face (ie if their employment is terminated), either the anonymity of the accusers or the allegations will need to fall away. The whole thing is very messy

 

[theiaofseed]

Better late than never.

You have to wonder why it took the CEO 48 hours to produce this message to the world (instead of that inadequate wish-washy crap they previously published on the website.)

Reeves received and read the report 2 weeks ago and forwarded it to the AFL. He's had follow up conversations about it with Gillon McLachlan and known in advance there would be a full AFL investigation.

So why weren't they pre-prepared for the inevitable leak? The story was going to be made public sooner or later, with or without the ABC's investigative journos. They should've been ready for shitstorm. Essendon would've hired Melbourne's top PR firm weeks ago.

I get the feeling our club is run by amateurs in way over their heads. It's commendable that we wanted to get to the bottom of this and right the wrongs. But it's coming at a massive cost to the club. Irreperable damage has been done (and will continue to be done.)

It could've been handled way better.

.

I know we want to the club to be open and on the forefront of this but that's not how this works, anything the club says has to be worded carefully done to the dot.

 

[Back One Out]

This is going to take a very very long time. 24 hours here and there is not going to make any difference.

There is such a thing as "getting in front of the story" and "controlling the narrative"

We've done neither.

Our club (and the 3 accused) have been beaten to death by the media & public. Hung, drawn and quartered. Painted in the worst possible light. The accusations are heinous. But even if they are true, I'm sure there were extenuating circumstances why they acted the way they did. They were probably well-intentioned and thought they were looking out for the best interest of the players.

They've been made to look like monsters by the ABC article. Clarko has been portrayed as a crazed cult leader and Fagan & Burt as his evil henchman. Maybe they are??? But geez, did Reeves & co have to sit back like stunned mullets and watch it all unfold like this?

It just could've been handled better from the word go. They could've taken a more proactive role in producing this report instead of leaving it all the hands of independent outsiders. Assurances could've been given to the families that it wouldn't be swept under the rug, that reparations would be made and punishments meted out to those charge. The families should've been convinced they'd be taken seriously so they didn't feel the need to go to the media prior to the investigation being completed.

That should've been one the objectives: keeping this under wraps until all the facts were known. Our club is forever stained by this story. Clarkson and Fagan's reputations have been destroyed without them even giving their version of events. Other clubs might have their own internal investigations and find similar heinous stories, but you can bet it won't become salacious fodder for the media.

It probably doesn't matter what else the AFL find from here in their own investigation. Everyone has made up their minds. This is only going to end one way.

 

[Samurai Hawk]

Apologies if this has been raised and answered but does the scope of the AFL integrity investigation, investigate only the allegations raised in the Hawthorn commissioned report that was provided to them by Hawthorn or would it also include allegations raised in the ABC article that was not commissioned by Hawthorn and AFL but has other allegations not in the Hawks report??

 

[Franko Armani]

This country/white Australia sickens me these days.

Especially the people of Australia who have never been friends with an indigenous Australian, worked with one, taken the time to talk and listen to people from our First Nations and who generally have absolutely no clue around the culture and sensitivities of these people - especially working within the confines of modern Australia.

Honestly, if you can’t check off at least 2 of the above take a good look at yourself and who you actually are compared to who you actually think you are. And there are no excuses or exceptions here.

So anybody in this category speaking, parroting and generally making assumptions about any of this across Australian media can just check out now and STHU.

 

[CaptainWorpedo]

Really depends on what the players want.

If the players just want change at the HFC this can be done with out naming them.

If the players want compensation, it will turn legal and there names will be released to Clarkson, Fagan and Burt at the very least.

Everyone is sticking the boots into the Hawks, but this only being addressed due to the Hawks own investigations.

An our Hawks did this knowing the risk that may lay ahead.

I feel this issue is rather large and needs a deticated Hawks team lead by Hollands to address it. I would also like Dustall and Burgoyne on this team.

Whilst the rest of our management and coachs focuses on the now. An ensuring all is in line today.

 

[Philhawk]

There is such a thing as "getting in front of the story" and "controlling the narrative"

We've done neither.

Our club (and the 3 accused) have been beaten to death by the media & public. Painted in the worst possible light. The accusations are heinous. But even if they are true, I'm sure there were extenuating circumstances why they acted the way they did. They were probably well-intentioned and thought they were looking out for the best interest of the players.

They've been made to look like monsters by the ABC article. Clarko has been portrayed as a crazed cult leader and Fagan & Burt as his evil henchman. Maybe they are??? But geez, did Reeves & co have to sit back like stunned mullets and watch it all unfold like this?

It just could've been handled better from the word go. A more proactive role in producing this report instead of leaving it all the hands of independent outsiders. Assurances could've been given to the families that it wouldn't be swept under the rug, that reparations would be made and punishments meted out to those charge. The families should've been convinced they'd be taken seriously so they didn't feel the need to go to the media prior to the investigation being completed.

That should've been one the objectives.

Our club is forever stained by this crap. Other clubs might have their own internal investigations and find similar heinous stories, but you can bet it won't become salacious fodder for the media.

It probably doesn't matter what else the AFL find from here in their own investigation. Everyone has made up their minds.

This is only going to end one way.

I, for one, actually admire the fact we haven’t tried to PR-manage the narrative throughout all this - ala Essendon.

“Our club (and the 3 accused) have been beaten to death by the media & public.”

Yes, because we deserve it. Pretty simple.

Collingwood tried to PR manage their way through this last year and it was a shitshow.

 

[CaptainWorpedo]

I, for one, actually admire the fact we haven’t tried to PR-manage the narrative throughout all this - ala Essendon.

“Our club (and the 3 accused) have been beaten to death by the media & public.”

Yes, because we deserve it. Pretty simple.

Collingwood tried to PR manage their way through this last year and it was a shitshow.

Watch the others clubs, i bet there will be players from every club speaking out now.

 

[Philhawk]

Really depends on what the players want.

If the players just want change at the HFC this can be done with out naming them.

If the players want compensation, it will turn legal and there names will be released to Clarkson, Fagan and Burt at the very least.

Everyone is sticking the boots into the Hawks, but this only being addressed due to the Hawks own investigations.

An our Hawks did this knowing the risk that may lay ahead.

I feel this issue is rather large and needs a deticated Hawks team lead by Hollands to address it. I would also like Dustall and Burgoyne on this team.

Whilst the rest of our management and coachs focuses on the now. An ensuring all is in line today.

History has shown clubs investigating their own potential misdemeanors don’t usually end well. We have done the right thing asking to be externally investigated.

 

[Philhawk]

Watch the others clubs, i bet there will be players from every club speaking out now.

Fantastic. Sunshine is the best disinfectant.

 

[derp de derp]

There is such a thing as "getting in front of the story" and "controlling the narrative"

We've done neither.

Our club (and the 3 accused) have been beaten to death by the media & public. Painted in the worst possible light. The accusations are heinous. But even if they are true, I'm sure there were extenuating circumstances why they acted the way they did. They were probably well-intentioned and thought they were looking out for the best interest of the players.

They've been made to look like monsters by the ABC article. Clarko has been portrayed as a crazed cult leader and Fagan & Burt as his evil henchman. Maybe they are??? But geez, did Reeves & co have to sit back like stunned mullets and watch it all unfold like this?

It just could've been handled better from the word go. A more proactive role in producing this report instead of leaving it all the hands of independent outsiders. Assurances could've been given to the families that it wouldn't be swept under the rug, so that they didn't feel the need to go to the media prior to the investigation being completed.

It probably doesn't matter what else the AFL find from here in their own investigation. Everyone has made up their minds.

This is only going to end one way.

What we are experiencing is cancel culture 101.

The situation is hideous and there is no hiding from our failures as a club.

We can all pick the eyes out of it but that won’t change how these victims feel and it doesn’t diminish the validity of their stories.

We can have empathy towards those accused. I’m not sure with what we currently know if we can defend them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[RIOLINWITPUNCHS]

Is it coincidence that Monkhurst is no longer at the club as of a few weeks ago when the review had finished?

He would have been one of the last remaining people who were working at the time of the allegations.

 

[QuietB]

There is such a thing as "getting in front of the story" and "controlling the narrative"

We've done neither.

Our club (and the 3 accused) have been beaten to death by the media & public. Hung, drawn and quartered. Painted in the worst possible light. The accusations are heinous. But even if they are true, I'm sure there were extenuating circumstances why they acted the way they did. They were probably well-intentioned and thought they were looking out for the best interest of the players.

They've been made to look like monsters by the ABC article. Clarko has been portrayed as a crazed cult leader and Fagan & Burt as his evil henchman. Maybe they are??? But geez, did Reeves & co have to sit back like stunned mullets and watch it all unfold like this?

It just could've been handled better from the word go. A more proactive role in producing this report instead of leaving it all the hands of independent outsiders. Assurances could've been given to the families that it wouldn't be swept under the rug, that reparations would be made and punishments meted out to those charge. The families should've been convinced they'd be taken seriously so they didn't feel the need to go to the media prior to the investigation being completed.

That should've been one the objectives: keeping this under wraps until all the facts were known. Our club is forever stained by this crap. Clarkson and Fagan's reputations have been destroyed. Other clubs might have their own internal investigations and find similar heinous stories, but you can bet it won't become salacious fodder for the media.

It probably doesn't matter what else the AFL find from here in their own investigation. Everyone has made up their minds.

This is only going to end one way.

Exactly how do Hawthorn “control the narrative”.

This is going to hurt, but Hawthorn’s options were to face up to it or pretend it never happened.

When they chose to face up to it, rightly, they don’t get to control the narrative. They get to face some hard truths.

Now it is not established precisely what those truths are yet - that is going to take time - but this is not a PR exercise.

 

[Simon Crawshay]

The anonymity issue raised by Reeves is a very delicate one. If Clarkson and Fagan deny the allegations (as they seem to) or litigate any consequences they face (ie if their employment is terminated), either the anonymity of the accusers or the allegations will need to fall away. The whole thing is very messy

100% this is going to the courts. There will be suits and counter suits left right and centre. Impossible to keep accusers anonymous when things go to the civil courts.

Only way I could possibly see Clarko and Fagan not taking this to the courts would be if they got some special, behind the back payout from the AFL to walk away quietly.

However that wouldn't cover loss of reputation and Clarko doesnt strike me as the type to fade away quietly to the night.

This could drag on for years and years

 

[Mercy Seat]

The anonymity issue raised by Reeves is a very delicate one. If Clarkson and Fagan deny the allegations (as they seem to) or litigate any consequences they face (ie if their employment is terminated), either the anonymity of the accusers or the allegations will need to fall away. The whole thing is very messy

I think in talking to the media outside of the review process, they would have been warned there’s a good chance their names would go public at some point. Particularly if any of the accused launches defamation which I’m almost certain will happen.

 

[Philhawk]

100% this is going to the courts. There will be suits and counter suits left right and centre. Impossible to keep accusers anonymous when things go to the civil courts.

Only way I could possibly see Clarko and Fagan not taking this to the courts would be if they got some special, behind the back payout from the AFL to walk away quietly.

However that wouldn't cover loss of reputation and Clarko doesnt strike me as the type to fade away quietly to the night.

This could drag on for years and years

That's a very good point. As long as the Hawks, or anyone associated, weren't found to be the ones to leak this report - they should be legally in an ok position in terms of being faced with legal action from Clarkson, Fagan or Burt.

 

[HairyO]

The more I think about it, the less I believe the club sat on a report that could financially devastate us and destroy our reputation for two weeks without doing anything.

They gave it straight to the AFL who most likely said "wait for us to take a look".

From everything reported the club hasnt done anything wrong with the report.

The AFL doesnt seem to have done anything in the 2 weeks they had.

 

[cyrilicious]

The role of player welfare officer needs to be removed from the clubs, and replaced with an AFL/AFLPA funded welfare staff stationed at each club.

Each would have guaranteed unfettered access to players, even during private meetings, with severe sanctions for any club that tries to interfere in this relationship.

Almost like a Workcover person, but there full time or near full-time.

yeah like a union rep always on the lookout

 

[Tassie Cryptik]

That's a very good point. As long as the Hawks, or anyone associated, weren't found to be the ones to leak this report - they should be legally in an ok position in terms of being faced with legal action from Clarkson, Fagan or Burt.

Has the report actually been leaked?

 

[Philhawk]

Has the report actually been leaked?

To be clear, I'm not saying it has and to quote SYL's helpful summary atop this thread,

"Was the report leaked to the ABC's Russell Jackson?
This is unknown, however the AFL have identified that Jackson's article does include allegations that are not in the Egan report."

I feel like this part of Reeve's email is important

Upon receipt of that report, we immediately engaged AFL Integrity – both because it was a recommendation, and because it was the most appropriate next step. From here, those named in the reports would be interviewed and be given the opportunity to respond and tell their story.

I think the club is trying to get ahead of the line from Clarkson and Fagan - "Why weren't we consulted before this went public", by answering "you would have been privately consulted" - and "we didn't intend for this to go public"