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.

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

The article I read yesterday in either the AGE or HUN stated that the assistant knew that this time would come, he was the one who mentioned the coaches acting like Russian Mafia. Once he knew there was an investigation into the experiences of Aboriginal players on the list he contacted Egan and made a statement of what he had seen with his own eyes.

 

[lethalselbow]

Decent email from the Prez.

Not a great situation for any individual involved in any part of the matter.

Hopefully it's sorted before 2025.

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

The First Nations players and partners who have made allegations of mistreatment by Hawthorn senior officials want to tell their stories in an independent hearing, free of AFL influence, in which they and those facing allegations can be cross-examined.
Sources familiar with the former Hawthorn players’ and their families’ wishes said they did not trust an AFL investigation, but contrary to speculation, they did want to speak and recount their experiences to an independent hearing.

 

[Bardo State]

The players talked about their experiences for the benefit of the club, on the condition of anonymity.

Now they're being ushered into a combative legal process where the rich men who they allege did horrible things to them will spend a shitload of money to call them liars in just the right way.

Knowing how fiercely the Australian legal system guards the precious reputations of people with money, it'll be "nothing to see here". Nothing surer.

 

[HedgeFund]

What a load of crap. The one non-indigenous person that caught wind of it happened to trash them as well. Hit piece.


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

Good to see you’re keeping an open mind.

 

[Cyril says]

Just read Jeff’s letter. Well written and I support that approach.

Would like to see this over quickly but reality is it has to take as long as it takes.

I support our players and officials - especially those who are very young and vulnerable.

I hope something good comes out of this process.

 

[Books]

Decent email from the Prez.

Not a great situation for any individual involved in any part of the matter.

Hopefully it's sorted before 2025.

Yes, I was impressed by the email from Jeff.
The club appears to be taking this seriously and doing all it can to find out the truth.
Jeff is correct to say that all the families are hurting for different reasons.
Hopefully there will be no more inflammatory leaks. What we all need now is due process, fair hearings and a genuine resolution.

 

[HairyO]

I think Clarko, etc. should put his lawyers away until the AFL investigation is complete.

Does anyone have any faith in the AFL finding something all parties will agree with ?

I cant see how it doesnt end up in court.

 

[HairyO]

The players talked about their experiences for the benefit of the club, on the condition of anonymity.

Now they're being ushered into a combative legal process where the rich men who they allege did horrible things to them will spend a shitload of money to call them liars in just the right way.

Knowing how fiercely the Australian legal system guards the precious reputations of people with money, it'll be "nothing to see here". Nothing surer.

Their lawyers will be just as good and just as highly paid.

KC and SC regularly are involved with Aboriginal Legal Aid, plus Im pretty sure the AFL would be covering all their legals bills to avoid claims exactly like yours.

It will be Lawrence Hammill not Dennis Denuto.

 

[Rocket72]

Their lawyers will be just as good and just as highly paid.

KC and SC regularly are involved with Aboriginal Legal Aid, plus Im pretty sure the AFL would be covering all their legals bills to avoid claims exactly like yours.

It will be Lawrence Hammill not Dennis Denuto.

Denis has a perfect record in the high court. Just not good with photocopiers

 

[TylerDurden]

Good letter from Jeff.

 

[Books]

Denis has a perfect record in the high court. Just not good with photocopiers

Good vibes!

 

[saaam]

Does anyone have any faith in the AFL finding something all parties will agree with ?

I cant see how it doesnt end up in court.

I'm having a hard time trying to work out how on earth something like this does end up in court, what are the laws or policies in question? I can't see the AFL lead investigation making any concrete conclusions either, mediation and settlement as has been mentioned appear to be the most obvious outcomes.

 

[hawker11]

Good letter from Jeff.

Clever more than good…

 

[Mercy Seat]

I'm having a hard time trying to work out how on earth something like this does end up in court, what are the laws or policies in question? I can't see the AFL lead investigation making any concrete conclusions either, mediation and settlement as has been mentioned appear to be the most obvious outcomes.

There are two likely aspects this will end up in court and everything I’ve heard suggests both will happen.

1 - class action by the plaintiffs against HFC / AFL

2 - defamation lawsuit by the accused parties (not sure if ABC, etc)

 

[Ned Ryerson]

I'm having a hard time trying to work out how on earth something like this does end up in court, what are the laws or policies in question? I can't see the AFL lead investigation making any concrete conclusions either, mediation and settlement as has been mentioned appear to be the most obvious outcomes.

Could possibly fall under the anti workplace bullying area of the OHS Act in Victoria.

 

[Fluro Boots]

Makes you wonder if any of this effects future recruitment selection strategies

 

[Restricted Free Agent]

Was I the only one incredibly unimpressed by Jeff's letter? It felt incredibly disingenuous from a man with his long history of racism. The whole part about all the achievements of our Indigenous players had really strong "I have black mates, so I can't be racist" vibes. Also really not a fan of his subtle denial of the pre-Batemen recruiting policy.

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

Makes you wonder if any of this effects future recruitment selection strategies

Can’t see how it would.

 

[deanc]

There are two likely aspects this will end up in court and everything I’ve heard suggests both will happen.

1 - class action by the plaintiffs against HFC / AFL

2 - defamation lawsuit by the accused parties (not sure if ABC, etc)

FYI, two relevant points why I do not envisage this issue legally escalating:
1. This 'may not' be possible due to Statutes of Limitations. Limitation of Actions Act 1958 (VIC), generally cap civil action to within 6 years of a civil claim arising for common law damages.
2. While the accused 'may have' future grounds for defamation for various reasons thier legal counsels will likely advise against this, suspect a public apology will suffice. NB. the main objective of a defamation claim is to restore your credibilty/reputation, but in reality most people interpret this as simply winning a legal contest..

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

Ash Browne stating on Hawks Insiders that the club have had lots of support from current sponsors who feel that the investigation has been handled really well by the club.

He also said speaking to others around the industry that Hawhorn have built a good reputation under Sam and that the club don’t expect to see or feel any commercial impact as much as this will continue to play out. They await to see if membership numbers feel the hit, but they feel that the separation between Sam’s “Hawthorn” and when the events took place has been beneficial.

 

[H00t]

The First Nations players and partners who have made allegations of mistreatment by Hawthorn senior officials want to tell their stories in an independent hearing, free of AFL influence, in which they and those facing allegations can be cross-examined.
Sources familiar with the former Hawthorn players’ and their families’ wishes said they did not trust an AFL investigation, but contrary to speculation, they did want to speak and recount their experiences to an independent hearing.

I can’t imagine any universe where the AFL would want this to go ahead.

Which is why it should. Get it where the AFL can’t stage manage it and cover up everything they can.

 

[A Diakos]

Excellent letter from Kennett


balanced fair and concise

 

[Da Breust]

Was I the only one incredibly unimpressed by Jeff's letter? It felt incredibly disingenuous from a man with his long history of racism. The whole part about all the achievements of our Indigenous players had really strong "I have black mates, so I can't be racist" vibes. Also really not a fan of his subtle denial of the pre-Batemen recruiting policy.

Doesn’t matter what he writes people will find issues with it. Personally thought it read well and hit the right notes.


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[hamohawk1]

Yeah i've been a Kennett detractor for a long time but that letter was good.

Clearly it acknowledged the club is fully aware and accepting of the allegations put forward.

Going to be a tough time for Clarkson, Burt and Fagan to clear their names.