Former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley has responded to another round of extraordinary allegations by Heritier Lumumba about his tenure at the club.
Sections of a dossier compiled by Lumumba detailing his time at the Magpies was published by the Herald Sun on Monday morning, accusing among others Buckley, former club CEO Gary Pert and an unnamed assistant coach of serious misconduct.
Among the allegations is that the assistant coach ‘showed a pornographic image during a team meeting to emphasis a point that he was making’, with Lumumba saying Buckley was ‘unfazed’ by the incident.
Another claimed Pert had made ‘inappropriate comments re: players’ sex lives in front of their partners’ during the 2011 season, for which Lumumba demanded an apology at the time; while Buckley is accused of branding Lumumba as ‘too sensitive’ and ‘demanding too much change from the club’.
According to the Herald Sun, Lumumba had planned to present the full dossier to the Magpies as part of the response to the ‘Do Better’ report. However, he has since cut all communications with the club over his belief the Magpies aren’t serious about enacting change.
Responding to the allegations on SEN Breakfast, Buckley openly questioned Lumumba’s intentions in his ongoing feud with the club, saying his version of events in the incidents depicted in the dossier are very different to the former player’s.
“I’m not going to be drawn into detail and I’m not going to say that ‘Heritier’s right here, wrong here’ – because that is his perspective of the truth – but there are other versions of the truth that are a long way away from the way that he perceives it,” Buckley said.
“Mine is very different from what he presents. But the context becomes important, and the whole idea of the process is to have open dialogue [and] respectful dialogue, so that you can actually move forward in a positive way.
“It seems that Heritier doesn’t really want to move forward unless there’s… whether heads need to roll.
“I don’t know exactly what he’s looking for … or what his requirements are to feel like he has been heard, because that’s what we’ve really tried to do is sit and listen.
“He has been apologised to – I’ve apologised to him, the club has apologised to him – for the environment that he’s been in – and not just Heritier, but the other Indigenous players that have come through.”
As for the allegations directed at him by Lumumba, Buckley says his ‘conscience is clear’.
I put my head on the pillow last night and I slept well because I know that I have owned my imperfections and I’ve owned the things that I’m responsible for,” he said.
“I’m happy to have those conversations with anyone at any time – and I fundamentally believe I had those conversations with Heritier in the moment.
I was prepared to stop, to listen, to try and learn, to try and understand in the moment… my conscience is clear in that regard.
“It doesn’t mean I’ve been perfect, it doesn’t mean I couldn’t have done things better, but I’m open-minded to continue to learn, and I think the club is as well. If they weren’t, I wouldn’t feel as comfortable with that.”
Heritier Lumumba. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
‘I’d be staggered’ if Cripps attracts MRO scrutiny for tackle, says Voss
Carlton coach Michael Voss says he would be ‘staggered’ if captain Patrick Cripps is cited for a heavy tackle on Adelaide’s Lachie Murphy, amid media reports Match Review Officer Michael Christian will examine the incident closely.
Murphy was substituted out of the game with a neck issue shortly after the tackle in the third quarter, during the Blues’ comprehensive 48-point win over the Crows on Sunday.
Fan reaction to the incident has been firmly in Cripps’ favour, while speaking after the game, Voss staunchly defended his actions.
“You’re probably asking the wrong person… it would be slightly biased, but gee, I’d be staggered if it went any further, to be honest,” he said in his post-match press conference.
Murphy has a recent history of neck problems, having undergone surgery on a bulging disk in the off-season.
Should Cripps receive a suspension, it would rule him ineligible for the Brownlow Medal, for which he is one of the heavy favourites after a brilliant start to the year.
His 35-disposal, two-goal performance against the Crows has him in line for three votes, while he is expected to poll well in several other games in the Blues’ bright start to season 2022.
(Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
‘Get his head out of you know where’: King’s massive whack for struggling Roo
Former North Melbourne great David King has challenged the current crop of Kangaroos to ‘take responsibility’ for turning the club’s fortunes around, after a dismal start to 2022.
The Roos sit 17th on the ladder with just one win from the first eight rounds, kicking just three goals in a 78-point thrashing at the hands of Fremantle on Friday night.
Speaking on Fox Footy’s First Crack, King put the spotlight on ‘frontline stars’ Luke Davies-Uniacke, Jy Simpkin, Todd Goldstein and Hugh Greenwood to improve, with the Roos having been one of the AFL’s worst-performing contested ball sides for the season.
“I don’t give the alibis to those guys who are getting smashed at stoppage,” King said.
“It’s really disappointing that those guys haven’t engaged… your leaders are in there. Simpkin won your best and fairest last year, Goldstein has been a top-liner.
“You’re either invested or you’re not. Greenwood – first year at the club, stand up and lead the way. Davies-Uniacke – where’s the improvement coming from him?
“I’m saying for this guy to take responsibility, don’t wait for the coach to do things for you.”
King was particularly savage on fourth-year emerging star Tarryn Thomas, whose season was interrupted by internal bruising after copping a kick to the ribs in the Roos’ only win of the year against West Coast in Round 2.
Since returning three weeks ago, Thomas has been well down on his game-breaking best, with King urging the 22-year old to stand up.
“Tarryn Thomas has been AWOL for most of the year, I don’t know where his head is at,” King said.
“They need him to find form, get his head out of you-know-where and start finding the footy.
“At the moment, they’re not fighting the fight. I get concerned when I see that, and I don’t know if there are deeper issues or not. But if you’re a player, front up.
“Those guys are too good and have played too much football.”
The only Roo to escape King’s ire was first-year player Jason Horne-Francis, whose first eight games were described as ‘brilliant’.
“The kid’s come in, Horne-Francis, and said ‘I just want to play’ – and he’s been brilliant. Seven clearances on the weekend,” he said.
Money, money, money
Guest
So, what amount of compensation does he want. At the end of the day, it all boils down to cash. The Maggies must be regretting recruiting O'Brien right now. A boobie prize.
Marty
Roar Rookie
Corporate Spin 101. The problem for the corps and their lawyers these days is it’s a lot easier for the other side to get their version of events into the public domain. In years gone by you needed to find a friendly newspaper editor and be willing to endure (sometimes) years of court proceedings and the associated costs just to get your side of the story across. Many would give up, that was the whole point. Now you just click a button and people can make their own minds up. Wow, what a concept.
Akitas
Roar Rookie
When Harry decided to change his name, he said it was brought about through his "journey from decolonisation". That just screams "tosser".
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
Marty, I think it goes back further than that . The McGuire / Goodes incident was swept under the carpet by the AFL and Collingwood with an apology and no one was punished probably set the tone for individuals to pursue action down the road . Any one else but McGuire would have been punished . Peter the Scribe defends the club to the hilt which he is entitled to like so many others and his only solution is to sue . I've got no oar in the water either way but obviously Lumumba feels very passionately about this and feels he needs to continue along that path which he is also entitled to . Just because the people are no longer there doesn t mean the club is any less culpable .
Akitas
Roar Rookie
Harry knows that if he buries the hatchet with Collingwood, he ceases to be relevant, and his time in the spotlight fades - along with any book sales that he might fluke.
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
could well end up in the courts.
1dawg
Roar Rookie
So Buckley is all good in this story?
Marty
Roar Rookie
How would he know? Because, as he said, he was in communication with the group of Indigenous representatives that entered into this process in good faith and instead found themselves dealing with a room full of of lawyers who, no doubt under the instructions of the club, were acting in anything but good faith. It’s one of the the oldest tricks in the book. Argue and refuse to engage constructively until the other side has had enough and walks away. You can then say ‘see, we tried our best, they were the ones who walked away, but if he ever wants to meet again the doors always open’.
Virgil
Roar Rookie
He knows because a report was commissioned by the club and released in 2021. We are not talking about 2014. Are you seriously suggesting that all systemic issues raised by the report have been redressed in the space of 12 months?
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
No. I am talking specifically about Lumumba who clearly has his own agenda. Buckley too is a person first and not an ex coach first. He is entitled to defend himself from blatant lies or "alternate truths" and I expect he will by lodging a defamation lawsuit.
Virgil
Roar Rookie
And lastly, you speak as if the "Do Better' report never happened. The report spoke of 'systemic racism' and a lack of 'trusted avenues' for mediating complaints. Its also criticised Collingwood as being 'defensive' rather than 'proactive" on race issues. And it also recommended KPIs for diversity in coaching and player groups. But you would have us believe none of that matters now because we have a new coach and new president. You have clearly missed the emphasis on 'systemic' and have used the advent of a new coach and a new season as a ruse for forgetting that the report ever happened.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
So how does Lumumba know nothing substantial has changed Marty? How do you know? Because Lumumba says so from LA? So you believe him rather than the distinguished independent professors who have unlimited access to the club, its staff and players? Then I can't help you.
Virgil
Roar Rookie
A business organisation like the CFC by its nature will diminish and scapegoat individuals. It is pointless explaining this to dyed in the wool supporters. As for Buckley, he nailed his colours to the wrong mast but no doubt Eddie MacGuire was one hell of a mast- but the times sailed on and left him behind. I understand he still has considerable influence at the club. But, by Jesus, Eddie just didnt get it and perhaps he was blinded by his allegiance to CFC. But Collingwood is just that - a footy club. It is cringeworthy when supporters choose it as a hill to die on. Lumumba is not the only non-white former player to cut ties with the club. I think the club and supporters need to be more thoughtful when when addressing issues pertaining to players and former players. They are people first and foremost not footballers.
1dawg
Roar Rookie
Hence my question about defending your club etc
Marty
Roar Rookie
I think you might be missing the point here mate. You can have all the meetings in the world but if nothing substantial changes then what’s the point? The fact that when it came to the business end of the process CFC decided to send in the lawyers (who were the same lawyers who argued against the release of the report in the first place) to throw up the roadblocks tells you all you need to know about how fair dinkum they are about real change. And they are perfectly free to do that, big corporations and organisations have been doing it since Adam was a lad. Just don’t treat us all like mugs and yell us that you are ‘fully committed’ to a process when you are obviously not. As I said before, spare us the spin.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Virgil "what was and is a toxic environment" How do you say the club is a toxic environment Virgil? How on earth would you know? Are you there now? Do you know anything the club does in the community? Have you spoken to current players of colour? Your academic insight "university" in this regard is Herald Sun and Fox Footy grabs.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
FMD Marty, it's one of the first things CFC did. Asked Lumumba in to listen to him, also offered independent mediation. Your comments are ill informed and poorly researched. Numerous times various CFC staff and non staff have offered whatever venue he wants. End it now Bucks. Sue Lumumba for defamation and move on.
Virgil
Roar Rookie
Within and around the club environment attitudes and ideas are internalised and self- policing , people are subject to what academics call microtechnologies which shape and govern their perceptions. It is no surprise that after some years away from the club Lumumba has began to realise his past experiences in a different manner, namely, that of a person who has shed the shell of being an AFL footballer and now sees life as an indiviudal. For us, the supporters, we have little insight into the personal lives and histories of young men who play AFL; we are blinded by our tribalism and demands for instant success. Lets step back and rather than be dismissive and defensive, lets bring some justice and honesty to the struggle of young black men in what was and is a toxic environment. Buckley's double speak is not the way forward. He might be doing well in the media but his coaching stocks have plummetted
1dawg
Roar Rookie
Why can’t Collingwood just apologise and the story ends there? They’ve done nothing wrong. It’s the media and fake news.
Marty
Roar Rookie
I’m not sure what all the confusion is around what Lamumba is after. From what I can see all he wants is for the CFC’s actions behind closed doors to match their public statements. Not too big an ask I would have thought? The latest example appears to be where CFC have stated they are fully committed to a process to learn where they went wrong in the past and improve moving into the future. By its very definition this process needs to involve them doing a lot of listening to those players who were effected, as well as others. Instead they send in a bunch of lawyers, who do what lawyers are paid to do – argue, discredit, try to ‘win’. At the end of the day CFC can offer as many apologies as they want but as the saying goes, actions speak louder than words. Or at the very least do us all a favour and spare us the spin.