ALASTAIR Clarkson has released a new statement to again deny historical allegations that Indigenous players were mistreated at Hawthorn during his time as senior coach.
Reports on Tuesday night revealed further detail from an external review that Hawthorn had commissioned about its treatment of First Nations players, prompting a "deeply distressed" Clarkson to release a new public statement a week after his first response on the matter.
>> READ ALASTAIR CLARKSON'S FULL STATEMENT BELOW
"It remains profoundly disappointing that these matters are now being widely canvassed in the public domain without the opportunity being given to me or others to give our accounts or even read the Hawthorn report, which to this day I have not seen," Clarkson said in a statement released by his management group.
"The further recent publication of purported extracts from the report means I now have grave concerns that any chance of a fair process and just outcome have been seriously undermined, if not irrevocably corrupted.
"The failure to maintain the confidentiality of the review and further damaging public speculation means I have no option but to express publicly, in the strongest and most emphatic terms possible, that I did not behave in the manner claimed."
'EXTREMELY SERIOUS' AFL to probe Hawks' treatment of Indigenous players
The review first came to light on Wednesday last week in a report by the ABC, which outlined the experiences of three players during both Clarkson's time as senior coach and the tenure of assistant coach and football manager Chris Fagan.
Clarkson, who was due to start at North Melbourne's senior coach on November 1, and Brisbane senior coach Fagan have strenuously denied the allegations. Clarkson has delayed his start at North while Fagan has taken a leave of absence from the Lions.
The AFL is in the process of appointing an independent panel to investigate the allegations. The AFL Coaches' Association has called for an experienced former coach or football administrator to be involved in the probe.
Clarkson said he respected everyone who had shared their experiences with both the Hawthorn review and the ABC, and acknowledged how difficult it was for "any player, and in particular First Nations players" to share their experiences of "deeply personal matters"
"However, as the allegations against me have been spread widely and sometimes presented as indisputable matters of fact, I must state that my clear memory of the matters reported is very different," he said.
Clarkson said he would continue to co-operate with the AFL investigation, but he would not make any more public comment on the matter.
Statement from Alastair Clarkson
Since learning of the allegations first reported in the media last Wednesday I have been shocked and deeply distressed.
It remains profoundly disappointing that these matters are now being widely canvassed in the public domain without the opportunity being given to me or others to give our accounts or even read the Hawthorn report, which to this day I have not seen.
The further recent publication of purported extracts from the report means I now have grave concerns that any chance of a fair process and just outcome have been seriously undermined, if not irrevocably corrupted.
The failure to maintain the confidentiality of the review and further damaging public speculation means I have no option but to express publicly, in the strongest and most emphatic terms possible, that I did not behave in the manner claimed.
I believe the genuine affection I held for all the players who walked through the doors into Hawthorn is well known. I have always appreciated and respected the unique journeys of First Nations players into the highest echelons of Australian Rules Football. I have been committed to acknowledging and understanding their many varied experiences and brought all my efforts to ensuring these players are given the opportunity to realise their dreams. But not at any cost, and never at the cost of their families as has been alleged. Any suggestion to the contrary is false and deeply offensive.
People who know me will understand how important family is to me. I have always carried this value into every organisation I have worked with. I acknowledge how difficult it is for any player, and in particular First Nations players to tell their stories about deeply personal matters and I respect every player that has spoken to either the ABC or Phil Egan as part of the Hawthorn Football Club process. Every person has their story and the right to tell it.
However, as the allegations against me have been spread widely and sometimes presented as indisputable matters of fact, I must state that my clear memory of the matters reported is very different.
I will continue to cooperate with the AFL and I am trying to retain my trust that it will put in place a fair, respectful and supportive process for all involved. However, I will not hesitate to take further steps to protect my position and reputation should that be
necessary.
I do not intend to make any further comment publicly on the process or on further media reports.
