Foreign
The Age wouldn’t have published bombshell racism report: Caroline Wilson
Background
Caroline Wilson has said that The Age would not have published the ABC’s bombshell report about racism at Hawthorn if they had had the story. The report included allegations that a player was encouraged to terminate a pregnancy. The story was published in September last year and an independent AFL investigation is still ongoing.
Gay Alcorn’s statement
Wilson said she spoke to The Age’s editor at the time, Gay Alcorn, who told her they wouldn’t have published the story as it ran by the ABC. Alcorn did not specify why the decision was taken not to run the story, but said if given the opportunity, she would be comfortable speaking to Wilson about it.
Wilson’s surprise
Wilson said she was surprised by the ABC’s decision to publish the story, despite knowing about the “Indigenous failings at the time,” suggesting the report’s allegations were horrifying.
Clarkson and Fagan response
Both Hawthorn and the Brisbane Lions were rocked by the allegations but have since returned without incident. Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson and former football boss Graham Wright have strongly denied the allegations, as has current Brisbane coach Chris Fagan.
Investigation status
The AFL had hoped their investigation would be finalised before Christmas last year, yet it remains ongoing. The investigation is still looking into allegations by several individuals who were not named in the ABC report into alleged racism at Hawthorn.
Credit: https://www.sen.com.au/news/2023/04/01/wilson-amazed-at-publishing-of-bombshell-hawthorn-racism-report
