Lions coach Chris Fagan stays silent concerning the AFL’s investigation into racism claims towards him and Alastair Clarkson, and desires his Brisbane gamers shielded from questions concerning the matter.
Lions star Charlie Cameron got here out in defence of Fagan earlier this week because the investigation into his and Clarkson’s alleged mistreatment of First Nations gamers and their companions throughout their time at Hawthorn continues.
“He’s been good to me and the other indigenous players (at the Lions),” Cameron mentioned.
When requested on Friday if he was grateful for Cameron’s assist, Fagan mentioned he would favor that his gamers wouldn’t need to reply questions concerning the matter.
“I probably in my heart wish that the players weren’t asked about the investigation,” Fagan mentioned earlier than a Lions intra-club trial.
“I’ve actually signed a confidentiality agreement so I can’t talk about it … and I won’t talk about it.
“One day I will be able to but at not at this point in time.”
Fagan was not sure when the investigation can be accomplished however promised it will not derail the Lions’ preparations for his or her spherical one conflict towards Port Adelaide on March 18.
“It’s obviously gone a little bit slower than everybody expected. That’s just the way it goes. It’s not something I can control,” he mentioned.
“It’s not really frustrating because I’ve put my time and energy into our footy club, so it’s not something that’s in the front of my mind.
“If I get a call from my lawyers or anything like that, it goes back to the front of my mind.
“Basically it’s just a pre-season for us. The players are unaffected and just getting on with business.”
Fagan mentioned when the allegations towards him first got here out in September final 12 months, he addressed the matter with Lions gamers “as best” as he may.
“But I haven’t actually spoken to the whole room about it since that point in time,” he mentioned.
“The odd player has had a question or two, but I’ve told everybody here, including the players, that if I need to tell them anything about the investigation I will, but at this point in time, I haven’t felt the need to do that.”
Fagan mentioned “any help with legal fees would be appreciated” when requested about stories that the AFL’s insurance coverage system was set to cowl a “large share” of his and Clarkson’s authorized charges.
Long-time Lions captain Dayne Zorko, who’s nursing a minor hamstring harm, was amongst a handful of senior gamers who didn’t participate in Friday’s intra-club trial.
Key low season recruit Jack Gunston additionally didn’t play, with the previous Hawthorn star given the break day to attend a marriage.
Fagan mentioned he and 34-year-old Zorko would have a “conversation” concerning the captaincy at “some point in time”.
Originally revealed as Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan specializing in new season moderately than investigation into claims of racism towards him
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
