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Former Essendon CEO Andrew Thorburn has reportedly engaged lawyers as a wrongful termination suit against the Bombers looms large.
Thorburn sensationally departed the club in October after less than 24 hours in the role, when his role as chairman of a church with strong anti-LGBTQI+ and anti-abortion views was revealed, leading to significant backlash led by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.
Bombers chairman David Barham said at the time that Thorburn resigned amid the controversy, which has reignited debate over whether religious rights can mix with sports.
“This morning I saw him [Thorburn] first thing, and we spent most of the day talking and he decided [resigning] was what he would do,” Barham said at the time.
Thorburn was reportedly made to choose by the club to either leave his role as chairman of the City of the Hill church, or depart as Essendon CEO.
However, it was revealed by AFL journalist Sam McClure on Thursday evening that Thorburn is ‘retaining legal counsel’, with the threat of a ‘wrongful termination’ lawsuit against the Dons looming large.
It has since been reported by The Age that Thorburn is pursuing legal action over his departure from the Bombers, with their case centering on claims on ‘religious discrimination’ against the club.
“It is troubling that faith or association with a church, mosque, synagogue or temple could render a person immediately unsuited to holding a particular role,” Thorburn said in a statement immediately following his resignation.
“That is a dangerous idea – one that will only reduce tolerance for others, and diversity of thought and participation in our community and workplaces.”
Thorburn had initially been appointed by the Bombers after he was hired to conduct a review of the Essendon board and the club’s football operations.
His appointment and subsequent departure continued a period of off-field upheaval at the club, which saw previous CEO Xavier Campbell resign and four club board members also depart, as well as the sacking of coach Ben Rutten in August.
Thorburn has declined to comment on the new developments.
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