There was backlash, an explanation, then another backlash. But last night Eddie McGuire finally issued a proper apology for “banter” about drowning Fairfax football journalist Caroline Wilson.
“In the last 24 hours, and particularly since this morning, I’ve seen the impact of the comments on her,” McGuire said in a video statement.
“No person should ever feel uneasy or threatened in football’s family. For that, I am deeply sorry and I apologise unreservedly to Caroline for putting her in that position.”
The controversial comments were made by McGuire, North Melbourne president James Brayshaw and former St Kilda captain Danny Frawley on radio last Monday, while discussing the “Big Freeze at the G”, an event in which celebrities slide into icy water to raise money for motor neurone disease.
“In fact I reckon we should start the campaign for a one-person slide next year,” McGuire said. “Caroline Wilson. And I’ll put in 10 grand straight away — make it 20. And, if she stays under, 50.”
In last night’s statement, McGuire said he’d consulted with anti-domestic violence campaigner Rosy Batty and had decided to donate to the cause.
“Today, on what would have been her son Luke’s 14th birthday, and having spoken to Rosie earlier, I’ll be making a personal contribution to support the victims of domestic violence,” he said.
McGuire also expressed his disappointment that he had made remarks so “at odds” with his views on women.
“At a time when I am so looking forward to being president of three women’s sporting clubs — Collingwood women’s football, Collingwood netball and the Melbourne Stars women’s cricket club, it is important to show leadership on this issue. That includes being able to admit you are wrong and willing to learn.”
Wilson had slammed McGuire’s earlier dismissal of the comments as “banter, but last night said she would accept his latest apology.
“He’s definitely changed his tune,” she said on Footy Classified last night. “He’s had a few cracks at it and he’s finally got there tonight. It has taken him time but to his credit what he said tonight was absolutely acceptable and I really appreciate that he has done it.”
Meanwhile, Holden, one of Collingwood Football Club’s key sponsors, has told Fairfax media that it is “hugely unhappy and extremely disappointed” with McGuire’s original comments.
A spokesperson for the company said, “comments like these, regardless of their intent, have no place in today’s Australia and reflect poorly on the Collingwood Football Club, its fans, stakeholders and sponsors.
“Holden is engaging with Collingwood to express our disappointment personally and discuss the future of our sponsorship.”
The club also distanced itself from McGuire’s “jibes”, saying in a statement “the very clear view of the board of Collingwood is that there is no place in our community for the support of violent behaviour or language, even in humour.”
Top Comments
This is an embarrassing storm in a teacup. Has everyone forgotten how this came to? Caroline Wilson wrote an article suggesting Eddie should stand down as President of Collingwood. Regardless of the fact that this may be true - Is Eddie not allowed to express some sentiment for being publicly criticised? If Eddie had said the same about a man - would this have occurred? Of course not. It was lighthearted banter. Even as a woman I can see that. Caroline Wilson is allowed to express an opinion, we all are unless of course it may slightly offend anyone or anything it seems. It is frightening to think that society is becoming so precious - most of us are horrified by what Donald Trump espouses but he is making inroads as he does not censor his every word. Has Bob Katter been asked to resign for his clearly inappropriate 'smoking gun' ad campaign? That ad should have received the merry go round treatment that this situation has . Domestic Violence? NO WAY.
Yes it is bad what Eddie has said, but I suppose one good thing to come of this is the attention domestic violence has received. I think a lot of conversations around DV, and appropriate language to be used has been created insight of his comments. And I am not thanking Eddie or implying he is wonderful for creating this buz around it, more pointing out that this maybe been a new lesson learnt for some who may be blaze/ignorant/naive to the topic.... Not only that, this message has reached a lot of male dominated sporting clubs.