Former Hawks official Jason Burt finally responds to racism allegations

Former Hawthorn player development manager Jason Burt has stated he has ‘nothing to be sorry for’ as the damaging racism saga that has engulfed the club since last September looks set to come to an end.

Burt – along with Alastair Clarkson and Chris Fagan – has vehemently denied that there has been historic misconduct involving First Nations players at the Hawks.

However, Burt admitted that some of his alleged behavior may have been considered “awkward” and intimidating, but not racist.

He also accused the AFL of being more concerned about protecting their ‘brand’.

It follows explosive allegations in a club review last year from Indigenous adviser Phil Egan that Hawthorn’s coaching staff “bullied certain players and also demanded the separation of young First Nations players from their partners, and pressured a few to get a . ​to terminate pregnancy for the sake of the player’s career.’

Burt – along with Alastair Clarkson (pictured) and Chris Fagan – have vehemently denied wrongdoing with First Nations players at the Hawks

The trio was also accused of running the football department “like the Russian mafia.”

“My overwhelming emotion is sadness,” Burt recalled The age.

‘I like Hawthorn. Still. It’s crazy. I still support them. They were a great club. I feel sad that I can’t set foot in this place again, for any of the reunions, for any of the celebrations we might have. I’m too hurt.’

Burt added that he “will never really understand what an Aboriginal, a First Nations person, feels like,” but he was adamant “the people involved in this research — and the families, especially the players — let better people, better men behind because they are at Hawthorn.’

In terms of an apology, it won’t come from Burt saying, “I have nothing to apologize for.”

Burt’s fighting words come as lawyers for the First Nations families at the center of the racism scandal have recommended a settlement to the AFL that, if agreed, could end the sad saga.

A generic apology may follow – but nothing will come directly from Burt, Fagan or Clarkson.

On Friday, AFL CEO Gill McLachlan stated: “There are a lot of people who are working very hard to get a solution here, that’s all I can say.”

The racism saga first started behind the scenes last April when retired Hawthorn great Cyril Rioli and his wife Shannyn laid out claims of racism at the club.

This week, Fagan – now the head coach of the Brisbane Lions – said he remains determined to speak out and “tell his truth.”

Fagan has also maintained his silence, but is eager to give his version of events from his time with the Hawks

Clarkson recently resigned as North Melbourne coach indefinitely, citing stress from the review.

He also questioned the credibility of the investigation.

But before stepping down from Arden St, he had a farewell shot at his former club Hawthorn, winning four AFL premierships.

“There is one particular party that was the catalyst for all of this that has not been explored at all,” he said.

“Their management and conduct in this whole business, the Hawthorn Football Club, [has been] just embarrassing.’