Netball Australia’s moral dilemma and what you say

The moral stance of Australia’s leading netballers has cost millions – and sparked furious debate among the public. JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Racism, righteousness or just plain wrong?

Australian netball’s war with its conscience has cost the sport a $15 million sponsorship with Hancock Prospecting – and there could be more battlefronts on the horizon.

The story so far: Australia’s richest woman Gina Rinehart withdrew Hancock’s proposed deal with Netball Australia amid a revolt from national players.

See, they cite a statement from Rinehart’s father, Lang Hancock, in a TV interview in the 1980s as a sign of the ongoing injustices against indigenous people.

The “Aboriginal problem”, as he called it.

Lang Hancock’s controversial comments continue to leave a mark today.

“The ones that are no good to themselves, can’t accept things, the half-castes – and this is where most of the trouble comes – I would dope the water up so they become sterile and would breed themselves out in future,” he said.

“And that would solve the problem.”

Four decades later that quote has kickstarted an almighty battle between bank balances and beliefs.

Indigenous netballer Donnell Wallam has become the face of the campaign, with Australian teammates standing behind her … at the cost of a $3.5 million per season sponsorship.

Aussie Diamonds player Donnell Wallam is the face behind the sponsorship debate. Picture: Instagram

Indigenous politician Jacinta Price called on netballers to “suck it up” and “get on with it”.

“You make your bed, you lie in it. Unless you’ve got a cool few million in your back pocket to support your sporting code, your woke sense of self importance should be your private opinion and your private opinion only,” she posted on social media.

Others have very different views, as debate raged on couriermail.com.au’s Facebook page.

Here is what you said:

THOSE BEHIND THE PLAYERS

Andrew Nelson

“The value of great character and strong values and integrity and the strength of being in a Team … your team is only strong as it’s weakest link … stand strong together … don’t give in to Corporate bullies or the power of filthy money.”

Lois Hughes

“Hypocrisy, selling principles and freedom of speech don’t grow on trees either. I am so sick of people idolising the dollar more than courage.”

Mark Smith

“The players made a stand in one direction. Gina made a stand in the other direction. Both for the right reasons. A partnership that wasn’t meant to be. No harm no foul. Move on.”

Leeanne Symes

“Women leading the way once again. These netballers have their priorities in order. No personal contract or sponsorship of the game is more important than the truth of wider Australian issues of both racism towards our first peoples, and the environment. Bravo Fabulous to see the ego taken out of sport. Male sportsmen have much to learn from this leadership!”

THOSE AGAINST THE PLAYERS

Glenn Pearce

“This is what happens when they feel entitled.”

Patricia Thompson

“Some should say thank you, but no always a hero that stuff’s it up.”

Jack Midolo

“100% they made a decision that has resulted in the loss of a large sponsor. They now need to live with that decision and not complain.”

Gareth Chaylace

“So these ENTITLED people that weren’t even born (most of them) instead of pay increase get a pay decrease and start sausage sizzling and chook raffles and car washes in there non sponsor branded uniforms, I’m actually hoping a few more sponsors that have indicated they are reviewing pull funding as well, these people need a hard life lesson.”

Matt George

“The more this happens the better, hopefully it will snap these woke muppets out of their fantasy world.”

AND THOSE ON THE FENCE

Simon Jacques

“And Netball authorities need a better education on how to treat their players. At the start of all this Ms Hallam sought an exemption for her alone for her beliefs (right or wrong). The authorities refused and it escalated from there. If her concerns, and those of the team, had been addressed better we would not be here.”

Jacqui Brown

“A very badly handled situation. Hopefully many lessons have been learnt!”

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Originally published as Netball Australia’s moral dilemma and what you say