The Hawthorn Racism Scandal: A Settlement and Apology
The Settlement
The Hawthorn racism scandal has come to a close as the AFL club reached a settlement with Indigenous former players and their families in a Federal Court case. The club issued a formal apology to the group for the pain and distress they experienced during their time at the club.
Joint Statement
The club and players released a joint statement on Wednesday night, confirming the settlement after two days of mediation this week. The statement emphasized that the settlement was reached “without determination of any parties’ allegations.”
Apology and Acceptance
In the statement, Hawthorn acknowledged that the allegations were made in good faith and expressed remorse for the hurt and distress experienced by the former players, partners, and their families. The club accepted the truths presented by the group and apologized for the impact on their lives.
End of a Scandal
This settlement brings an end to a scandal that has spanned over two years, beginning with racism allegations against the club and key personnel in September 2022. Despite denials of wrongdoing by individuals named in the allegations, the AFL investigation in May last year found no adverse findings against them.
Key Players
AFL premiership star Cyril Rioli led the group of claimants in the Federal Court case, alongside other former players and their families. The claim included allegations of unlawful discrimination, family separations, and pressuring a pregnancy termination.
Commitment to Change
Hawthorn has committed to working with the former players and their families, welcoming them back to the club in the hopes of reconciliation. The club reiterated its dedication to providing a safe environment for First Nations peoples and eliminating all forms of racial discrimination.
Learnings and Progress
By sharing their truths and raising allegations, the former players, partners, and their families have contributed valuable insights for the club. Hawthorn expressed gratitude for their courage and stated that the process has helped improve the club’s processes, education, and support for First Nations players and their families.
Conclusion
The resolution of the Hawthorn racism scandal through a settlement and apology marks a significant step towards reconciliation and progress in addressing racial discrimination in sports. The club’s commitment to learning from this experience and working towards a safer, more inclusive environment is commendable.
FAQs
What were the allegations in the Federal Court case?
The claim included allegations of unlawful discrimination, family separations, and pressuring a pregnancy termination.
How did Hawthorn respond to the allegations?
Hawthorn accepted the allegations were made in good faith, apologized for the hurt and distress caused, and committed to working towards a safe and inclusive environment for all players and their families.