Hawthorn racism scandal over as settlement reached

After two days of mediation, a confidential resolution has been reached between Hawthorn and former players and their partners, MARK ROBINSON reports.

The Hawthorn racism scandal has ended after the club and the former players and their partners reached a settlement on Wednesday.

After two days of mediation, a confidential resolution was reached, which ended the two-year saga.

The Hawks released a joint statement on Wednesday night, including an apology to the players and their partners for what they experienced at the club.

“It’s a good result for everyone – people just want to move on,” a source said.

Cyril Rioli and Carl Peterson during their time at Hawthorn.

Four-time Hawks premiership hero Cyril Rioli and his wife Shannyn Ah Sam-Rioli, former players Carl Peterson and Jermaine Miller-Lewis, his partner Montanah-Rae Lewis, and Hawthorn’s former Indigenous liaison officer Leon Egan had pursued legal action over alleged racism discrimination and negligence when they were involved with the club.

The matter is also over in regards to former coaches Alastair Clarkson, Chris Fagan and Jason Burt, who were named in witness accounts.

Originally published as Hawthorn racism scandal over as settlement reached