SA radio host Andrew Costello ‘feels sorry’ for Gina Rinehart

A popular radio host has slammed Aussie netballers for “cracking the s***s” in a divisive social media post about the Diamonds’ sponsorship saga.

A popular SA radio host has slammed Aussie netballers for “cracking the s***s” in a divisive social media post about the Diamonds’ sponsorship saga.

Andrew “Cosi” Costello, who hosts breakfast radio in South Australia and has a long-running television travel show, took to Facebook to share his thoughts about the Australian national team turning its back on mining billionaire Gina Rinehart’s $15 million sponsorship.

Diamonds players last week refused to wear a team uniform that including branding from Rinehart’s company Hancock Prospecting.

It is understood Indigenous player Donnell Wallam did not feel comfortable wearing a uniform with the logo as a result of shocking comments made by Ms Rinehart’s father Lang Hancock in the 1980s, when he infamously suggested that Indigenous Australians should be sterilised to “breed themselves out” in coming years.

Aussie Diamonds player Donnell Wallam is the team’s first Indigenous player in more than 20 years. Source: Instagram

Hancock Prospecting announced over the weekend that it had decided to “regrettably withdraw” its proposed $15 million partnerships with Netball Australia and Netball WA as a result of the branding furore, leaving the sporting organisation “disappointed” and “reasonably concerned” about its financial future.

On Facebook, Costello accused the team of “spitting in (Rinehart’s) face”.

He said Rinehart sponsored his own charity Cows for Cambodia.

“She’s the richest woman in Australia but still had the time for our little charity,” he wrote.

“She was attracted by her love for the cattle industry and helped us to no end. Never once asking for anything in return.

“She was kind enough to spend $15 million sponsoring this netball team. She didn’t have to. She chose to help them. Then a few don’t like mining so they crack the s****s.

“You’d think a group of ladies would embrace and welcome a successful business woman like Gina. Instead they spat in her face.

“Gina will find someone more grateful to accept her money. I feel sorry for her. She was doing this because she wanted to help.

TV broadcaster Andrew 'Cosi' Costello accused the Diamonds of “spitting in the face” of Gina Rinehart. Picture: Supplied

“To the team members that got the s***s. You’ve won. You’ve lost the sponsor. But at what cost to the rest of the team or the sport? Time will tell.

“I wonder are those that got the s**** using any products that are derived from mining? I bet they are. Of course they are. Crazy!”

Costello’s comments were shared on Reddit where they attracted hundreds of comments and he was accused of “having a pity-party” for Rinehart.

“Sorry Cossie, it was all actually about what her father said about our Indigenous cousins,” one commenter responded.

“It was downright racist, and especially because we have Indigenous players in the national netball team I understand their angst entirely.

“All Gina had to do was come out and say that in no way did she support her late father’s opinions on this matter. So do we assume that she also thinks the same, I surely hope not.”

Others were supportive of Rinehart’s move to pull the sponsorship.

“If Gina has some spare money she would like to donate towards the young sports people of the future, there are lots of local junior teams and sporting clubs that would be very appreciative with any help,” one commenter wrote.

Diamonds players celebrate their win during the Constellation Cup on October 19, 2022. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

“Their loss, Gina is an incredibly generous woman who shares her immense wealth,” another wrote.

“Apparently a comment her father made 60 years ago, and Gina’s own opinion on climate change, is the reason they don’t want her money.”

The Australian reports that Netball Australia is now facing a “sponsorship crisis” to the tune of $25 million if other spooked sponsors were to also backtrack.

“It could potentially turn into a $25m problem in the near future,” a netball source told the publication.

Netball Australia chief executive Kelly Ryan also confirmed that the organisation had been $4 million in the red and that it would likely have to look into cost cutting in the future.

Just four moths ago, in June, Netball Australia was issued a “going concern” notice from auditors after losing a whopping $7.2 million in just two years.

— with Alexis Carey