Brisbane coach Chris Fagan has lashed out at his critics and the media over the handling of the Hawthorn investigation commissioned by the AFL.
Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan.Credit: Getty Images
In a statement released on Sunday night, Fagan took particular aim at the Herald Sun over articles published between May 1 and May 7, alleging they contained a number of inaccurate and inappropriate statements.
He said while he does not wish to address all these matters: “In the interests of defending myself, I wish to correct the record concerning some of these matters.”
According to Fagan, it was reported that he was unwilling to participate in a mediation. He alleges this was wrong and that he never said he would not participate in mediation.
The AFL appointed a four-person panel to lead an “independent investigation into allegations of racist behaviour, bullying, and/or other inappropriate conduct” by the Hawks between 2008 and 2016.
Another Herald Sun article published suggested that 18 “demands” had been imposed on Fagan, Alastair Clarkson, and Jason Burt as a condition of a potential mediation.
Fagan said no such “demands” have ever been communicated to him or to his lawyers.
Fagan said, like all other participants in the investigation, he is bound by a confidentiality deed, but is “deeply concerned” that others are breaching those obligations “by causing confidential information concerning the investigation to be imparted to journalists.”
“I deny categorically any wrongdoing by me. I have long been willing to participate in a fair process concerning the allegations against me but everyone has an equal right to fair treatment,” said Fagan.
“I wish no more, and no less, than to be afforded this right.”
Alastair Clarkson and Jason Burt have also denied any wrongdoing.
Hawthorn Football Club said they did not wish to comment on Fagan’s statement.
The Herald Sun was contacted for comment.
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