The AFL is reportedly looking to finish up the independent investigation into historical claims of racism at Hawthorn and find Alastair Clarkson, Chris Fagan and Jason Burt all have no case to answer.
The bombshell report, published by The Age’s Jake Niall, cites two sources not authorized to speak publicly stating that the trio are likely to be exonerated.
#Exclusive | Two well-placed sources, with knowledge of the investigation, have confirmed the AFL is moving to wind down the probe into alleged racism.https://t.co/fm7TSKDron
— The Age (@theage) May 19, 2023
It’s also understood that proposed mediation, which was reported likely to take place in Adelaide next week, is very unlikely to be attended by Clarkson, Fagan and Burt. The report states that at this stage, mediation will not occur as the AFL looks to shut down the panel.
The AFL will provide further checks on the investigation before it is concluded.
It comes after Clarkson on Thursday stepped away from Arden Street, with the club citing the increased stress on their coach as being the central figure of the investigation.
Former coach Clarkson, assistant Fagan and player welfare manager Jason Burt have all strenuously denied the shocking allegations made by former First Nations Players and their partners throughout.
The league had come in for immense criticism leading up to and after Clarkson’s decision to step away for the independent process that is still ongoing more than eight months on from the original allegations published by the ABC.