Chris Fagan has felt no need to address the accusations of racism with his Brisbane players since returning from voluntary leave, stressing he has a “clear conscience” and has the squad’s trust.
The Lions AFL coach has denied any wrongdoing with regard to the disturbing allegations at Hawthorn, where was an assistant to Alastair Clarkson and served as football boss.
Both coaches will co-operate with an independent investigation into claims including that a request was made to separate young Indigenous players from their partners, and that pressure was applied for a pregnancy to be terminated for the sake of a player’s career.
The Lions full squad returned to training on Monday, with Fagan publicly addressing the allegations for the first time since they were reported in September.
“Probably the first couple of weeks (I struggled), not really knowing whether it was OK to walk down the street or not,” he told a press conference.
“But after a while, I realised we can’t live like that. So I’ve just been living normally since that point.
“I’ve got a very clear conscience. They say a clear conscience is the best sedative and I’m sleeping well.”
Fagan said he never contemplated resigning during his voluntary stand down period and that he signed a confidentiality agreement last Friday ahead of the investigation, which is yet to begin.
He said there was no need to talk about it to his players, despite the shocking nature of the claims.
“I’ve worked with them for six years. And they trust me, they trust me. So there’s been no need for a conversation,” he said.
“I know everyone’s really interested in my thoughts on it, and I respect that, but you also have to respect the fact that it’s going to remain private until … the investigation is over.”
When that will be is anyone’s guess, though.
“We all thought it was going to be over by Christmas time but it’ll go longer than that,” Fagan said.
“I’m just patiently waiting for my opportunity to speak at the investigation.
“You’d like it to happen soon rather than later. But I’ve got to be patient.
“We’ll just wait and see what the investigation reveals.”
