North Melbourne Alastair Clarkson received’t rush again to the membership and can stay on go away regardless of the AFL’s decision with 4 households on the centre of the Hawthorn racism investigation.
Kangaroos president Sonja Hood penned a letter to membership members outlining the continued care and help for Clarkson, who has stepped away from teaching as a result of toll taken by the saga.
The AFL has closed the investigation with no hostile findings in opposition to Clarkson, Chris Fagan or Justin Burt, who’ve all denied any wrongdoing after the historic allegations had been first made public final December.
In the letter, Dr Hood mentioned Clarkson had remained “loyal to the process” and the Kangaroos would stay loyal to him.
“The past eight months have taken a huge toll on Alastair and he has been remarkably stoic,” Dr Hood wrote.
“He has remained loyal to the process throughout despite having been denied natural justice for so long.
“For now, he will remain away from the club as he looks to get his own physical and mental health in order. We’re happy for him to take as much time away as he feels is necessary.
“We’ll continue to support him and our players and staff while he’s away. (Football boss) Todd Viney, (interim coach) Brett Ratten and our entire football department will continue implementing Alastair’s plan.
“Everyone misses Clarko – but rest assured, the club is in great shape and we are able to give him all the time he needs to get his health right.”
Clarkson hit out on the investigation course of earlier this month earlier than stepping down as coach, with Ratten taking over the function.
Welcoming the AFL conclusion, Dr Hood was aware of the “the harm this process has caused to all involved” in supporting Fagan.
“Last night’s (AFL) statement spoke of the considerable distress caused by the way the story became public, compounding the hurt that First Nations families felt from their time at Hawthorn,” she wrote.
“The past few months have been really tough on everyone – those named publicly and the many who were part of the investigation.”
“In fact, our whole country is facing into an important period of listening and understanding of our shared history.
“As a club, we are committed to playing our role and we support the strategic and governance recommendations laid out by the AFL in yesterday’s release.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
