Hawthorn racism review: Lions coach Chris Fagan stands down pending an AFL investigation
Brisbane coach Chris Fagan has stood down and will help the AFL investigate shocking revelations in a Hawthorn racism review. Read the Lions’ response.
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Brisbane coach Chris Fagan has stood down pending an AFL investigation into the treatment of Indigenous players and their families in his time at Hawthorn.
Former Hawks staffer Fagan has been devastated and blindsided by the allegations and he has said he has no knowledge of the meetings that have been alleged by former Hawthorn Indigenous players.
The Lions on Wednesday confirmed Fagan would step down from his position as senior coach while the league speaks with former Hawthorn Indigenous players about harrowing allegations they were mistreated.
The Lions said Fagan would cooperate fully with the league investigation.
The Brisbane Lions’ statement said the club was “aware senior coach Chris Fagan will work with the AFL on an investigation into allegations concerning historical events at the Hawthorn Football Club, where he was a former employee”.
“Chris supports and welcomes the investigation. He was not consulted during the Hawthorn sponsored review and looks forward to the opportunity to be heard as part of the AFL investigation,” the statement said.
“The Brisbane Lions and Chris have mutually agreed that he will take a leave of absence from the club so he can fully cooperate in the investigation.
“As the matters are now with the AFL Integrity Unit, the Brisbane Lions won’t make any further comment at this stage.”
Hawthorn commissioned an investigation into the treatment of its indigenous players this year and conceded on Wednesday the “important work has raised disturbing historical allegations”.
Those allegations include a player being told he and his partner should terminate a pregnancy.
North Melbourne is considering its position on Alastair Clarkson, who last month won the job as the Kangaroos’ new coach after a golden era at Hawthorn.
Fagan was a right-hand man for Clarkson in the brown and gold from 2008-2016, firstly as head of development and coaching and then football boss from 2013.
He took over as Brisbane coach in 2016. Lions players are on leave after their season ended at the hands of Geelong in the preliminary final on Friday night.
Originally published as Hawthorn racism review: Lions coach Chris Fagan stands down pending an AFL investigation
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