AFL Launches Investigation Into Hawthorn’s Handling Of Racism Allegations

The AFL is launching another investigation into the Hawthorn racism allegations, this time analysing the club’s handling of the claims at the club.

The third inquiry is expected to question club officials, with the AFL set to seek interviews with former president Jeff Kennett and former chief executive Justin Reeves.

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An AFL spokesperson confirmed to the Herald Sun the league contacted Hawthorn last week stating the investigation would take place, led by AFL legal counsel Stephen Meade.

The investigation has raised the idea of possible sanctions imposed on the club, which could include fines to being stripped of draft picks.

Last Tuesday, the AFL ended its eight-month independent investigation into the allegations, with AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan announcing there were “no adverse findings” against former Hawthorn coaches Alastair Clarkson, Chris Fagan, and Jason Burt.

McLachlan made it clear however the ending of the investigation “does not preclude the AFL from bringing a charge under AFL Rules against Hawthorn FC with respect to the commissioning and oversight of the Binmada Report”.

Just days after the AFL ended its investigation, the four families involved in the allegations made their identity public for the first time.

Former players Cyril Rioli, Jermaine Miller Lewis, and Carl Peterson, former Hawthorn official Leon Egan, and the wives of Rioli and Miller Lewis are now taking their allegations to the Australian Human Rights Commission, and further if necessary. 

The process away from the AFL could take more than two years to conclude if it reaches Federal Court.

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