Here We Go Again!
Posted: Thu May 10, 2018 1:50 pm
'Situation of gross racism': Wilkinson insulted by AFL's response
Joel Wilkinson says he was insulted by a supposed AFL claim that a three-minute video was sufficient to address the “gross racism” he experienced.
The former Gold Coast defender’s lawyer meanwhile says two former AFL players have come forward with similar allegations of racism following the announcement this week that Wilkinson will take legal action.
Of Nigerian descent, Wilkinson, who played 26 games for the Suns between 2011 and 2013, is heading to the Australian Human Rights Commission in the next few days, alleging that he was a victim of racism and racially-motivated sexual harassment during his time in the AFL. Federal Court action could follow.
His lawyer Will Barsby of Shine lawyers said on Thursday that Wilkinson was delisted at the end of 2013 after being labelled a “grandstander” by Gold Coast officials.
“Like any workplace, sometimes that employer doesn’t want to keep that perceived ‘problem child’ around,” Barsby said, arguing that Wilkinson’s employment had been prematurely terminated because he spoke up.
Barsby said that Wilkinson was seeking compensation for loss of income but that the case was “bigger than that” and about a "broader issue".
Wilkinson’s experience with racism during his career was no secret. In 2011 Western Bulldogs player Justin Sherman was suspended after racially vilifying Wilkinson during a match between the clubs, while the following season Collingwood took action against one of its supporters who shouted racial abuse over the fence towards the backman during a game between the Magpies and Suns.
The AFL issued a statement on Wednesday after Wilkinson’s claims became public, referencing a 2014 AFL-produced video campaign titled Making a Stand in which Wilkinson participated.
“We are sorry that Mr Wilkinson suffered experiences of racial abuse during his time as an AFL footballer,” the league said.
“He has previously shared his experience of racial abuse, helping educate the community via a series of social awareness videos produced with the AFL.
“We respect a person’s right to pursue claims through the legal system. We will continue to work with Joel to seek to resolve this matter.”
But Wilkinson hit back on Thursday, saying he’d been insulted by the league’s statement.
“In reference to the AFL’s position for many years and their recent statement it is disrespectful to the gravity of the situation to continually deny my experiences and claim one three-minute video was sufficient to address the situation of gross racism,” Wilkinson said.
“It is an insult that is so out of place in the global climate of racism and in the modern workplace.
“For many years I continually approached the AFL. I’ve had to keep pushing the issue, it has now led me here, having to pursue legal action.”
For legal reasons Wilkinson did not field questions on Thursday, but issued a lengthy statement, noting that he “won’t be silenced anymore”.
“It seems in recent times the dark works on the inside of the AFL are being revealed, and I hope this gives others the courage to come forward,” he said.
“Let me make it clear, this isn’t a past issue, this is very present, happening now and many other players in the system have experiences of racism similar to mine.
“From this loss of career, and suffering, I seek justice. The world is watching.”
Barsby would not go into details of the sexual harassment claim, other than to say it was racially motivated. However he confirmed several other players had made approaches since Wilkinson came forward.
“We’ve already received a number of calls from other players who’ve had similar experiences. For legal reasons as you can appreciate I’m limited in what I can divulge, but what it does show is the power of one coming forward. It shows a deeper issue within Australian workplaces,” Barsby said.
“It’s the ongoing racial discrimination that he sees and witnesses, and that he hears from colleagues and friends, and the ongoing effect that has on him as well.”
Barsby would not outline how long his client had been in discussions in the AFL, nor would he confirm whether the league had offered Wilkinson “hush money”, but he said talks between the parties had ended.
Joel Wilkinson says he was insulted by a supposed AFL claim that a three-minute video was sufficient to address the “gross racism” he experienced.
The former Gold Coast defender’s lawyer meanwhile says two former AFL players have come forward with similar allegations of racism following the announcement this week that Wilkinson will take legal action.
Of Nigerian descent, Wilkinson, who played 26 games for the Suns between 2011 and 2013, is heading to the Australian Human Rights Commission in the next few days, alleging that he was a victim of racism and racially-motivated sexual harassment during his time in the AFL. Federal Court action could follow.
His lawyer Will Barsby of Shine lawyers said on Thursday that Wilkinson was delisted at the end of 2013 after being labelled a “grandstander” by Gold Coast officials.
“Like any workplace, sometimes that employer doesn’t want to keep that perceived ‘problem child’ around,” Barsby said, arguing that Wilkinson’s employment had been prematurely terminated because he spoke up.
Barsby said that Wilkinson was seeking compensation for loss of income but that the case was “bigger than that” and about a "broader issue".
Wilkinson’s experience with racism during his career was no secret. In 2011 Western Bulldogs player Justin Sherman was suspended after racially vilifying Wilkinson during a match between the clubs, while the following season Collingwood took action against one of its supporters who shouted racial abuse over the fence towards the backman during a game between the Magpies and Suns.
The AFL issued a statement on Wednesday after Wilkinson’s claims became public, referencing a 2014 AFL-produced video campaign titled Making a Stand in which Wilkinson participated.
“We are sorry that Mr Wilkinson suffered experiences of racial abuse during his time as an AFL footballer,” the league said.
“He has previously shared his experience of racial abuse, helping educate the community via a series of social awareness videos produced with the AFL.
“We respect a person’s right to pursue claims through the legal system. We will continue to work with Joel to seek to resolve this matter.”
But Wilkinson hit back on Thursday, saying he’d been insulted by the league’s statement.
“In reference to the AFL’s position for many years and their recent statement it is disrespectful to the gravity of the situation to continually deny my experiences and claim one three-minute video was sufficient to address the situation of gross racism,” Wilkinson said.
“It is an insult that is so out of place in the global climate of racism and in the modern workplace.
“For many years I continually approached the AFL. I’ve had to keep pushing the issue, it has now led me here, having to pursue legal action.”
For legal reasons Wilkinson did not field questions on Thursday, but issued a lengthy statement, noting that he “won’t be silenced anymore”.
“It seems in recent times the dark works on the inside of the AFL are being revealed, and I hope this gives others the courage to come forward,” he said.
“Let me make it clear, this isn’t a past issue, this is very present, happening now and many other players in the system have experiences of racism similar to mine.
“From this loss of career, and suffering, I seek justice. The world is watching.”
Barsby would not go into details of the sexual harassment claim, other than to say it was racially motivated. However he confirmed several other players had made approaches since Wilkinson came forward.
“We’ve already received a number of calls from other players who’ve had similar experiences. For legal reasons as you can appreciate I’m limited in what I can divulge, but what it does show is the power of one coming forward. It shows a deeper issue within Australian workplaces,” Barsby said.
“It’s the ongoing racial discrimination that he sees and witnesses, and that he hears from colleagues and friends, and the ongoing effect that has on him as well.”
Barsby would not outline how long his client had been in discussions in the AFL, nor would he confirm whether the league had offered Wilkinson “hush money”, but he said talks between the parties had ended.
