Hawthorn racism review

[jeemak]

You don't have to be cynical yourself to see the cynical tactics deployed by Clarkson, Fagan and Burt throughout the process. These people have agency and have had plenty of opportunities to "tell their sides of the story" without prejudice, via the AFL investigation or outside of it.

Stonewalling by seeking documents that would compromise those who responded to the Hawthorn enquiry, and using that as an excuse not to participate is disingenuous even if it is in line with legal advice received. Again, Clarkson, Fagan and Burt have ample avenues to refute or respond to the complaints listed publicly - but they choose not to. There's nothing valiant in their stance, they aren't persecuted, and they aren't leaders.

[bornadog]

Unless you and Topdog know a lot more about the Hawthorn indigenous controversy than what's appeared in the media, you can't reasonably draw the distasteful conclusions about the characters of Clarkson and/or Fagan that appear in the immediately preceding 2 posts. Fagan asserts that he's legally represented, it's reasonable to presume that he's obtained advice on his stand, in all likelihood, Clarkson too. The consequences of the most recent enquiry into racism at an AFL club might caution participants, the President lost his job. There are a number of posters openly and enthusiastically barracking for the indigenous families, even though probably no better informed than any of us I can't identify anyone "defending Clarko and co", unless urging caution and/or warning about assumptions constitutes defending. Next step is the Human Rights Commission which I think is investigative rather than judicial and probably conducts its processes in camera.

They are gutless wonders for not wanting to discuss, mediate or communicate with the players and families.

Aboriginal people are sick and tired of being treated badly in this country.

[jeemak]

Pretty good summation:

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/...04-p5ddsq.html

Don’t be conned by the PR spin: The AFL is no exemplar on racism

The latest failure of the AFL to resolve allegations of racism in the sport it oversees provides a cautionary tale of what happens when we do not listen to Indigenous people, when their hurt is marginalised and ignored, and when polite requests for just resolutions are shut down.

[Rocket Science]

Pretty good summation:

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/...04-p5ddsq.html

Don’t be conned by the PR spin: The AFL is no exemplar on racism

The latest failure of the AFL to resolve allegations of racism in the sport it oversees provides a cautionary tale of what happens when we do not listen to Indigenous people, when their hurt is marginalised and ignored, and when polite requests for just resolutions are shut down.

Marcia seldom misses but she's being kind characterising the league's efforts here as incompetent rather than wilful.

[jeemak]

This seems productive:

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/...09-p5dfam.html

‘We are asking questions’: AFL chasing source of Hawks’ racism report leak

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has revealed the league is chasing the source of the leak of the original Hawthorn cultural safety review, declaring this leak left all parties in a “vulnerable” position.

[Topdog]

I can't identify anyone "defending Clarko and co", unless urging caution and/or warning about assumptions constitutes defending.

Bit of a late response here but my comment wasnt about anyone on woof, it was about people on facebook/twitter.

[bornadog]

Hawthorn racism claim terminated by Australian Human Rights Commission

The Australian Human Rights Commission has terminated a claim against Hawthorn by First Nations ex-players and their partners after the parties failed to come to a deal.

The commission?s decision ? based on its view that the parties were too far apart ? leaves the players and partners, including former champion Cyril Rioli and his partner, Shannyn, with 60 days to file and take the matter to the Federal Court.

The sticking point between Hawthorn and the former players and partners was largely that the club was unwilling to make an explicit admission of racism in dealing with the players, in allegations that were first raised in a cultural safety review commissioned by the club and that were reported by the ABC in grand final week of 2022.

Hawthorn and the plaintiffs had discussions, through their lawyers, around some form of an apology that did not involve an explicit admission that there was racism against those players ? three of whom took the matter to the Human Rights Commission, according to sources familiar with the negotiations but who spoke anonymously because commission matters are confidential.

While the players and partners had been seeking financial redress for alleged mistreatment by the Hawks, no specific figure was nominated as appropriate compensation. Hawthorn had indicated for a long time that the club had been willing to settle.

It is still open for the parties to reach a deal outside of the Human Rights Commission, but the players can also file in the Federal Court and make their claim in that arena, which would be public.

Former Hawthorn coaches Alastair Clarkson and Chris Fagan and welfare manager Jason Burt were the other parties involved in the discussions at the commission, each having met with the relevant players in an attempt to resolve any differences.

Hawthorn faced a difficult task to satisfy the First Nations players and partners who had the grievance and the former officials, who had strongly opposed any hint that they acted in a way that was racist.

?As we have always said, we would like to see this matter resolved fairly and quickly for everyone involved,? Hawthorn president Andy Gowers said.

?We have engaged with the [rights commission] process in good faith and have made multiple attempts to resolve the matter with all parties.

?It is unfortunate that this was not possible via this process. However, we remain committed to, and will work towards, having the matter resolved.?