Swans chairman gives heartfelt speech in support of Adam Goodes

SWANS chairman Andrew Pridham has made a powerful speech, with very strong words for those blaming Adam Goodes over the ‘booing’ scandal.

Swans fans show their support for Adam Goodes during the Sydney Swans v Adelaide Crows AFL round 18 game at the SCG. pic Mark Evans

IN the follow-up to the highly controversial Adam Goodes ‘booing’ saga, Sydney Swans chairman Andrew Pridham has delivered a powerful speech at the pre-match function prior to the Swans round 18 defeat of the Adelaide Crows at the SCG.

The Swans published a full transcript of the speech on their website, in which chairman Pridham described the most capped Sydney player as “a son, a brother, an uncle, a partner, a team mate, a friend, an educator and a philanthropist.”

Pridham detailed Goodes’ achievements throughout his 16-year-long career, which includes two Brownlow medals, four All Australian selections, 2014 Australian of the Year and credit as the co-founder of Indigenous education organisation GO Foundation.

Fans at the SCG showed an outpouring of support for Goodes as the Swans took on the Adelaide Crows.

Pridham described the events of this week as “seminal” in the nation’s history, defending the former Swans captain.

“I believe that the events of the last week are a seminal moment in our history – perhaps it was a moment that our nation needed to have,” he said. “Adam did not choose any of this to happen to him. Adam did not choose to be called an ape.”

Pridham directed his words towards those who have outwardly blamed Goodes for the controversy, making a point of shaming the views of certain media commentators and former athletes. He made it clear the club actively discourages and disgraces those in support of any racial vilification.

“Adam Goodes has been booed relentlessly because he’s Aboriginal and because he’s had the courage to stand and speak about matters close to his heart. Some say that it’s political correctness gone mad, it’s not political correctness, it’s just correctness. It’s just decency,” Pridham said.

“The handful of media commentators and high profile former sportsmen who have used these arguments are so hopelessly out of step with today’s community standards it is frightening. History will judge them very harshly – if they are remembered at all.

“The Swans position on this matter is very clear – you cannot be a little bit racist. If you boo Adam you are now unequivocally known that this behaviour is hurtful and discriminatory. There is no excuse. None. And we will not accept any excuse.”

Adam Goodes has taken extended leave from the AFL after he was mercilessly booed in recent weeks.

The Swans chairman went on to liken Goodes to iconic civil right activist Rosa Parks, drawing parallels between her fight for racial equality in the 1950s and the criticisms faced by Goodes.

Pridham finished his speech by addressing the issue of “casual racism” and argued that there can be no grey areas when it comes to racial abuse.

“I am very uncomfortable with the term I have heard so much this week: “Casual racism”. Something people only occasionally do on weekends. The Swans call it for what it is. You cannot be a little bit racist. And if you stand by and allow it to happen you are part of the problem. We ask everybody to show respect and to become part of the solution.”

Goodes missed this week’s game against the Adelaide Crows after taking extended leave from the AFL in response to the events of recent weeks.

READ THE FULL SPEECH HERE