Hawthorn racism saga takes turn as settlement offer has been denied
Caroline Wilson has disclosed that Hawthorn has given six people up to $300,000 to resolve the racism crisis that has rocked the club.
It follows two studies by Justice John Middleton and Gordon Legal, which stated that there was “no bias whatsoever” that a racist subculture existed at the Hawks from 2008 to 2015.
It came after it was confirmed that mediation between previous top coaches and players had failed, and the case is now expected to be heard in Federal Court.
“We can report tonight that Hawthorn has offered a combined settlement of $300,000 to six individuals who have appeared before the Human Rights Commission,” Wilson said on Nine’s Footy Classified on Monday night.
Cyril Rioli, his partner Shannyn Ah Sam Rioli, Jermaine Miller-Lewis, his wife Montana Miller-Lewis, Carl Peterson, and Hawthorn’s former Indigenous welfare officer Leon Egan were all given $50,000 in a settlement that was refused last week.
Wilson has explained what went wrong and why a few people declined the monetary offer.
“We know that all parties were saying it wasn’t about money, it was about an apology and an acknowledgement that racism took place at the club,” she stated.
“Hawthorn has refused to do that.”
However, Wilson added that Clarkson denied any racism during his tenure as coach, but did make “acknowledgements” of some issues inside the club at the time.
“Acknowledgements were made by Alastair Clarkson in a lengthy and hefty mediation day on day two, with all the families and their lawyers,” she stated.
“He discussed a failing or faulty approach, not racism.
“We now know that Hawthorn on top of that, have offered this settlement, which has been rejected.”
Clarkson, his former assistant and current Lions coach Chris Fagan, and Jason Burt have all denied charges.
