Collingwood’s Taylor Adams has followed up on the letter of apology from players to the report into systemic racism, urging fans to join the club in doing better.
Key points:
- The footballers and netballers at Collingwood released an apology for their part in any systemic racism at the club
- Current men’s AFL player Taylor Adams said any fan who was not ready to move forward should go elsewhere
- The association of former Magpies said they would help ensure the report’s recommendations were acted upon
The Do Better Report, commissioned by the club, found Collingwood was guilty of systemic racism and that its history of racism was “distinct and egregious”.
The initial response from club president Eddie McGuire, who said that it was a “historic and proud day” for Collingwood, drew criticism and then an apology.
On Thursday, the club released an open letter from a group of “150 footballers and netballers of Collingwood”, saying sorry for the culture of systemic racism the report had found.
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Speaking on ABC local radio, Adams was asked if it was fans as well as players and staff at Collingwood who had to consider change.
“Absolutely, I think the purpose of this report is to ensure that anyone involved with the Collingwood sporting club, and organisation understands what our values are, and aligns themselves, aligns our values as an organisation with the personal values of anyone who wants to associate with us,” Adams said.
“That’s really important. The report recommends an audit of players, staff, administrators and board to determine whether personal values align with the club values, moving forward.”
Asked what should happen if peoples’ values did not align with the club, Adams replied: “Obviously their (report authors Distinguished Professor Larissa Behrendt and Professor Lindon Coombes from University of Technology Sydney) recommendation is that there be change.”
Pressed on whether that meant that fans who did not abandon racist views should go elsewhere, Adams agreed.
“This is what we’re standing for now, and by doing this, by understanding the contents of this report, as athletes, by facing up to our truths, and putting our hand up and saying we were wrong, and that we have been wrong, and that this is the way we’re going to move forward.
“We’ve asked for recommendations, they’ve been provided. Now we must follow them, and that includes anyone that wants to associate themselves with the Collingwood sporting organisation.”
Asked whether there had been times when he had felt uncomfortable at the club, Adams said: “There are highly spoken-about moments within our organisation that have been publicised, I don’t think I need to go into specifics here.
“The report doesn’t necessarily mention exact moments or individuals who have been racially vilified … it’s about the systemic racism that has been within our organisation.”
One highly-publicised case facing Collingwood is that of former player Héritier Lumumba, who has complained of racist treatment during his time at the club.
Adams said he was not across the full details of Lumumba’s — however he said he hoped Lumumba and the club could come to a reconciliation.
The association of former Collingwood Football Club players also released a statement, saying they were looking forward to helping the club and the rest of the league grow and change in the wake of the report.
“The Do Better report states that whilst much progress has been made there is much more to do to ensure the systems and processes are in place to be consistent in dealing with issues such as racism when they occur,” the statement from Collingwood Football Past Players Association president Paul Tuddenham read.
“We will be asking the board to ensure these structures are developed and implemented as a matter of urgency to give the support and education required to all our current players and staff.”
