Former Adelaide forward Josh Jenkins claims leaders of the Crows’ infamous pre-season camp preyed on players with traumatic upbringings and he called on a club doctor to release a report on it to the public.
Jenkins is the first former Crows player to publicly back up AFL legend Eddie Betts’ version of events after the release of his autobiography this week.
The 33-year-old, who retired last year after a stint with Geelong, described the 2018 camp on the Gold Coast as “dumb” and “disgraceful”.
“Each player was scolded with abuse and physicality so they’d be physically and emotionally worn out,” Jenkins read out in a statement on SEN on Friday.
CLICK HERE TO READ JENKINS’ FULL STATEMENT
“This is where I’m happy to try and explain why some rituals were confronting and some were ‘nothing to see here’ and easily moved on from for others.
“In my view, the boys who had had a more ‘normal’ or traditional upbringing without any real trauma or tragedy in their lives had very little to be poked and prodded about.”
Jenkins believes he and Betts were targeted after they revealed personal information to the camp’s leaders.
“My childhood is a source of shame, pain and pride,” Jenkins said.
“I am proud I am where I am today despite any potential hurdles thrown my way as a young person, but I will always have the pain of not having a family to lean on in tough times or to celebrate with on celebratory occasions.
“Even as an adult, small things can stay with you. I recall the awkwardness I felt when I didn’t have anyone to invite into the rooms for my debut jumper presentation. No matter how far you go, some things can always nibble away at you.
“I explained my upbringing had probably led me to being more skeptical and isolated – with a determination to do things my way.
“I also stated I was proud of the person I was and that in no way was my childhood of any relevance to anything I was doing as a professional athlete.
“I stated more than once I wanted none of my upbringing to be used or even spoken of during or after the camp. Something which was promised to me – but in my view, a promise that was broken.
“Those – like me, Eddie and perhaps others – had experienced different things that were more raw when focused on – especially when we’d been assured, essentially promised, nothing like this would be raised,” Jenkins said.
Jenkins said he was distraught when sensitive information about his childhood and upbringing were brought up in front of teammates.
“I recall some of the barbs thrown at Eddie – and others – and recall glaring at one of our coaches who quickly picked up my emotions.
“Everyone went through the ritual and on the last morning, we had a relaxed discussion with the facilitators – which is also when we were told how to discuss what we’d done with our teammates and family members.
“I distinctly recall the role playing on what to say to partners and teammates.”
Adelaide went on the camp just months after their shock 2017 grand final loss against Richmond.
The Crows have not played finals since and are going through a long rebuild under coach Matthew Nicks, who arrived at the club ahead of the 2020 season.
Jenkins called on the Crows doctor Marc Cesana to release a report he made on the camp.
“There is a report from our club doctor Marc Cesana, whom I sat with on countless occasions where he assessed my welfare and did the same with others…
“He wrote a lengthy report off the back of his dealings with us as players and people.
“No one has ever acted on that report – which I know is damning.
“The report must see the light of day. It’s the only example of a medical professional who had day-to-day dealings with the people and players who were involved.
“He was concerned about us.
“He expressed his disappointment to me about what happened to us, but never disclosed the details of what he’d discussed with other players.
“Hence why the report needs to see the light of day.
“I recall, during one meeting, our doctor expressed in front of the entire playing group and most of the staff that what occurred on the camp was totally unacceptable – and I know the report captures that!
“Today is a good day and a really sad day.”
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
No, things are done civilly. The real problem is trust was abused. Things would’ve happened under the radar. This would happen regardless of the sport. I’d like to know what happened to South Sydney? Hmmmm?They are a client club too but most likely after the Crows where they had to heavily adjust their modus operandi to remain profitable.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Rabbitohs and interestingly Lleyton Hewitt barracks for them too.
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
He is a qualified journalist, used to write for the local rag here
Deneb1973
Roar Rookie
In the US, some states have authorized civil suits for the Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress. I do not know if that concept exists under Australian law. The release of the Crow's doctor's report (which the AFL apparently knows about) might be evidence in such a suit. Jenkins also makes reference to a CEO or football manager. Does anyone know who that was or the identity of the 10 players and 2 coaches who were part of Group 1? It sounds like they got the worst of it. I also remember that Rory Sloane tried to defend Tex Walker sometime later saying that no one knows what Tex had done for the club that had not been made public. Was that ever clarified? If so, did it include the fallout from the camp?
Andrew
Guest
This is getting really ugly. Huge questions now about who knew what and how those who investigated this signed off and effectively said ‘nothing to see here’ To effectively weaponise a persons personal trauma against them I would think is incredibly dangerous.
Seymorebutts
Guest
Just read Jenkins letter and it was FAR worse than anything I had expected. The camp has echoes of the infamous Springbok camp 20 years ago, where they were physically run into the ground by military personnel, all the while carrying an egg for which there was severe punishment if they broke it... they had to sleep in holes they had to dig, then were woken up at all hours of the night to sing the South African national anthem while listening to the Kiwi national tune... it was truly outrageous. Cant remember exactly what year it was, 2003 or 2007. This Collective Minds camp sounds as brutal and bizarre as that Springbok camp. Unbelievable what was done to those guys. Like one of those dreadful CIA ''mind control'' conspiracy theory stories you hear about. The only thing Collective Minds didnt do was pump them full of LSD.. otherwise, its the same playbook. One woman ended up in a mental institution after they brainwashed her to convince her she had murdered her own mother.. The object of this ritualized mental torture is to Brutalize, humiliate subjects to get them to conform to whatever ideology you are pushing. From the sounds of it, the treatment of those players borders on criminal... there is no question that the Adelaide Football Club has breached its duty of care and they should be held liable.. including the directors who signed off on the whole sorry episode. I really hope Jenkins and Betts launch a class action against Collective Minds, ADFC and the AFL as corporate entities and certain individuals within the club who signed off on such disgraceful conduct.
CloudRunner
Roar Rookie
Honestly, I agree. I prefer to have these conversations in person too. Better discourse arises from it in my experience.
CloudRunner
Roar Rookie
I don't need to read what you wrote again. I was aware of the cynicism the first time. None of the "squillions of dollars" would absolve the hurt he's suffered if it's not genuinely forthcoming from those who did it to him.
PeteB
Roar Rookie
Haha a few years ago I would have agreed with what you said…possibly even last year :laughing:
PeteB
Roar Rookie
Yeah I don’t disagree…but I’m realistic enough to know what I say or do influences nothing. I’m a bit disappointed with the comment but anyways…
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
Captain bloody obvious ya reckon.lol.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Oh well lots of passionate Adelaide supporters bleeding at moment like yourself man. In time the worts will be removed & harmony brought back to the club.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
I’d say that’s fairly accurate.
Mitcher
Guest
Utterly pathetic… Get help.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Valid point Rowdy this the injustice of such horrific crimes shouldn’t be a washed over with let’s move on mentality. I’m glad you wrote to the Adelaide Football Club it will be fascinating if the reply is sufficient.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Well, you wouldn’t have liked me too much a few years ago.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
I think you need to read what I said again. Talk about turning a bad situation into marketing gold. It’s brilliant, but I can see how some could take what I’m saying differently, i.e. someone like you. I don’t care. Does that clarify my ‘motivation’ on the topic? I hope Eddie makes a squillion in book sales. He deserves it.
mrl
Roar Rookie
Why wasn’t one of the instructors punched in the face? Are AFL players wired to cop stuff like that?
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
In fairness he would've been doing the boards bidding as is Nicks. And that's why when they were looking for a new coach 3 years ago there was no big name being seriously concerned. This is going to get worse before it gets better. -------- Go Legs, Go Falcons.
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
Demons are going to try and bring a finals like feeling and pressure to this game, it should be an awesome game no matter who you barrack for I reckon.