Collingwood premiership player Heritier Lumumba has called on his former club and the AFL to publicly acknowledge the racism he says he was subjected to during his playing career.
The 33-year-old took to social media on Tuesday to detail his experiences during 10 years at the Magpies – which he said were inadequately dealt with – and claimed he took magic mushrooms to cope with the alleged treatment.
Lumumba, who retired from football in 2016 after repeated concussion problems, said he endured a “culture of racist jokes” at the Magpies and that coach Nathan Buckley had not supported him when he spoke out against Eddie McGuire in 2013.
Club president McGuire had suggested on radio that Sydney’s Adam Goodes could be used to promote the King Kong movie, and later apologised for doing so.
“I spoke out against McGuire’s racism on 28/5/2013 and was ostracised internally for doing so, particularly from Buckley, who stated, ‘You threw the president under the bus’,” Lumumba said in a Facebook post.
“They viewed what I did as wrong, and remained unapologetic about it, and as a result, I was treated differently, for the worse.
“It had a negative effect on my mental health and general well-being.
“Without a support network within the club/league that could cater to my specific needs, I used psilocybin (mushrooms) out of desperation to deal with my distressed state, which subsequently helped me confront CFC over the issues.”
Lumumba, who made his AFL debut in 2005, also reiterated the claim that he was called “Chimp” by Collingwood teammates before being traded to Melbourne at the end of 2014.
That claim was publicly backed up by former Magpies teammate Andrew Krakouer in 2017.
Lumumba said the AFL and Collingwood did not have the capacity or desire to address the issues he raised.
“They were negligent and did not (take) their internal issues seriously,” he said.
Lumumba played 199 games for Collingwood and added another 24 with Melbourne.
Birdman
Roar Rookie
Respectfully, PTS, I heard Eddie on FC last night and my sense was he was 'reaching out' to Heritier for the purpose of moving forward, not to acknowledge the past which is the problem here because without saying sorry there can be no conciliation. And Eddie's continued assertion to have misspoken on Adam Goodes is frankly an insult to everyone's intelligence.
Glen
Guest
Racist or not, I think Eddie has enough form of making stupid and insulting statements that he shouldn't have public facing roles. From memory he has made inappropriate remarks against indigenous people, immigrants, women and disabled people. He is racking up some form.
Kane
Guest
Pete but Eddie said last night that he was unaware of the Chimp nickname, was that clumsy as well or is he lying?
Milo
Roar Rookie
No doubt Collingwood isnt the only club thats history has been tainted by racism. RFC has examples as well as Im sure most older clubs do. However McKenzie is not the same example here and his FB rant didnt do any damage to anyone except himself. Hope he got assistance.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
My final word on this sensitive subject is to the ignorant in here claiming the club has not responded to Heritier during the three years since this was raised. Eddie himself has responded with “ I continually try to reach out to Heritier. In fact, earlier this year I was in Los Angeles and tried to find him, because I want to bring him home to give him a Life Membership at the Collingwood Football Club.“ There was clearly something that needed to be addressed and I hope Heritier responds to the club to connect and address. For those using this as an opportunity to slam one club culture and using it as a promotional opportunity for your own club, have a think. There is no excuse for racism in any way and there is an issue here that needs to be addressed in the right way. It’s vital however, as fans of the Pies, that we acknowledge and listen to the players of our club past and present with any grievances that have upset them so we can learn to be better, not just racial, but including matters to an individual’s sexuality or mental health or any bullying of any sort. If I take anything away from Heritier speaking up along with the shameful treatment of Adam Goodes, and the way our society responds to indigenous Australians who speak out - I know to firstly it must be understanding, kindness, and respect.
Ben Kennedy
Guest
Possibly about time someone called out AFL as a sport for its disgraceful record on racial issues generally. It is not a one club issue. The entire league is very white bread.
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
Sorry my comment should have been directed to true tiger not Richie. Although the roar appear to holding back the post.
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
I agree Richie there is no excuse for racism. My point was that I don’t believe Collingwood is a racist footy club as some are suggesting.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Sometimes just knowing is enough. Nothing much has changed. You still have no empathy/sympathy for the player concerned. You still back Ed and his cohorts. You still have trouble understanding these things went on at CFC. So no admissions of guilt, no taking responsibility and continued grief and angst being thrust upon us all. What hope of combating racism in footy with these attitudes prevalent? And that's the harsh truth, Peter!
Ron The Bear
Roar Rookie
Supporters knew Phil Egan as “Jacky”, but within the club he was lumbered with “Flagons”, which he hated. That was a long time ago, and it was pulled up by people within the club.
Clint
Guest
Wait so he was on one contract from 05 to 14 or he resigned with them in those years?
Robbie22
Roar Rookie
Scribe be up-front about your skeletons in the cupboard comment and Michael Mitchell. MM was a great footballer and ripping bloke and is on record as saying he is forever grateful to the RFC and considers the club as part of his extended family. These are his words and would seem to refute any skeleton theories you have raised. Be up-front and clear with your accusations. https://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/208487/michael-mitchell-s-memories?videoId=208487&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1432696988001 Heritier Lumumba is very clear on his views on the CFC that have certainly not been addressed to his satisfaction and he seems to have team mates who support his account of events. Get your own house in order before making unfounded comments.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Including you!
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
Your against the army. Let it go. Concentrate on winning tomorrow. By the way I have some radical views on r—I-m. All men have it, it is a matter of degree. A human trait of prejudging. It is a matter of fighting it.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Straw man. Show me the comment from three years ago or be exposed as the classic straw man.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
I don't see how that's relevant to what's taken place here. Having issues doesn't invite nor excuse racism of any type.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
I had to google if I make a boomer. Just it seems 1964.
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
Lambumba had issues well before he went to Collingwood.
RT
Roar Rookie
I haven't noticed that but I should have used the term ageist rather than belittling. Dismissing someone's opinion based on age is poor form, especially when we are discussing racism.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Spruce relies on belittling when he is challenged.