Four former Hawthorn players at the centre of the club’s racism saga had their careers “maximised” because of the support they received, according to Jason Burt.
The former Hawks welfare officer has joined Chris Fagan in blasting the investigation into the claims made by the four players, among others.
On Tuesday night, the AFL ended the inquiry into the allegations, finding Burt, Fagan and former head coach Alastair Clarkson had not breached the league’s rules.
But the matter is far from settled, with the complainants considering their legal options.
In a Linkedin post on Wednesday, Burt again strongly protested his innocence.
“This is a case of four men (former players) that spent time at Hawthorn who all needed substantial guidance, support and care,” Burt said.
“This is what they, and so many other players, received from many people over their time at Hawthorn, including from Alastair, Chris and myself.
“All four former players have spent time in my house, with my family, as part of the club’s method of helping each to resolve their issues.
“Their time at Hawthorn was maximised because of the on and off field support offered to each.”
Burt also claimed one of the former players and his partner are not Indigenous.
All the complainants have remained anonymous since the bombshell claims were leaked to the media in September last year.
“It’s important to clarify that ‘Zac’ and ‘Kylie’, who continue to make allegations to the media, are not indigenous Australians,” Burt said.
Burt described the allegations against himself, Fagan and Clarkson as awful and vile, adding he and his family had suffered greatly because of them.
“If the outcome of this ‘imperfect resolution’ appeases the complainants, then I wish them well,” he said.
“Unfortunately, this outcome has done little to diminish the anguish and hurt experienced by my family throughout this ordeal and most likely well into the future.”
Burt now works at a Melbourne school, while Fagan coaches the Brisbane Lions and Clarkson is on indefinite leave from his role at North Melbourne as he deals with the stress of the controversy.
Last Saturday, Burt gave an extensive media interview denying the allegations.
Meanwhile, current Hawks coach Sam Mitchell expressed sympathy for the various people embroiled in the saga.
“You just feel for all parties,” he said.
“Every side of it, everyone who’s been involved in it, you feel for.
“It’s very complicated – like everyone else, I’m struggling to keep up with it.”
On Wednesday, Hawthorn president Andy Gowers spoke of the mixed emotions at the club in the wake of the AFL decision.
But Mitchell said the team’s focus remains on trying to beat Port Adelaide on Saturday at Adelaide Oval.
“Some things have happened on the outside, (but we have to be) really focused on what we can control – as corny as it sounds, being ready for Port Adelaide this week is our job,” he said.
“Within the football program, you do move on. I spent most of yesterday looking at my computer, trying to work out the best way to pull Port Adelaide apart.”
Hawthorn will wear their Indigenous guernsey, designed by player Jarman Impey, against Port as part of National Reconciliation Week.
Australian Associated Press