Heritier Lumumba says Collingwood player apology a ‘tool for damage control’
Former Collingwood player Heritier Lumumba responds to an apology from current players of his former club.
Former Collingwood player Heritier Lumumba has responded to an apology issued by current players of his former club, saying it feels as if the genuine sentiment of some is being used as a “a tool for damage control”.
Lumumba on Friday said he didn’t doubt the sincerity of the letter’s signatories but noted it was odd the apology hadn’t come from the club itself.
“I don’t doubt the sincerity of players when they say they are ashamed of staying silent and have been shocked by the contents of the leaked #CFCDoBetter report,” he said on Twitter.
“However, a few things should be noted: It’s strange that young players – who are not responsible for the administration and culture of the club – have issued an unconditional statement acknowledging harm when the management and leadership of the club have yet to do so.”
https://twitter.com/iamlumumba/status/1357495745453035521
His comments follow the release of a letter signed by Collingwood’s 150 footballers and netballers apologising to past victims of the club’s racism that was shared by players including current captain Scott Pendlebury on social media on Thursday.
“As athletes we are sorry to anyone who, through their association with our club, has been marginalised, hurt, or discriminated against due to their race,” the letter said.
“Through our silence we feel responsible for these injustices.”
— Scott Pendlebury (@SP_10) February 4, 2021
A report that found Collingwood suffered from systemic racism was leaked earlier in the week, which did not investigate Lumumba’s claims but substantiated his long held account of the club’s internal culture.
Lumumba has repeatedly claimed that he was given the nickname “chimp” when he played for Collingwood.
He said on Friday he said he was overwhelmed by the support he received from fans and members but frustrated the club could not reciprocate, saying it felt like Collingwood was using the sentiment of players as a damage control tool.
“Unfortunately, this feels like the club using the genuine sentiment of some players and staff as a tool for damage control. This explains the lukewarm public response to the letter,” he said.
“I continue to be overwhelmed by Collingwood members and fans expressing their shame and remorse over the club’s past, as well as their frustrations that the club cannot simply do the same.”
Collingwood has vowed to implement all 18 recommendations made in the Do Better report.
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