ID :
68500
Tue, 06/30/2009 - 20:34
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/68500
The shortlink copeid
Angry Carlton banish Elliott
Carlton have accused former president John Elliott of disgracing the AFL club over
his assertion the Blues paid hush money to women who claimed they were raped by
players.
The Blues have also banished Elliott from the club following the remarks he made at
a Hobart lunch recently, when he alleged Carlton had paid off women to prevent them
speaking over claims they were raped by players during the 1980s and `90s.
Elliott, who presided over the club from 1983-2002, later reiterated his comments on
a television show.
Elliott was interviewed by police over his comments, but has refused to elaborate
publicly on his allegations.
Carlton have remained silent since Elliott made the remarks, but conducted an
investigation which included interviewing former chief executives Ian Collins and
Stephen Gough and other past administrators.
The Blues are adamant Elliott's allegations are untrue.
Current president Stephen Kernahan broke the club's public silence on Tuesday,
saying he is bewildered by the remarks and finds them "disgraceful".
"As far as we are aware there is no basis to John's allegations, so why he made them
only he can say," said Kernahan, a Carlton player from 1986-97 and captain from 1987
until his retirement.
"We have noted that he has since publicly claimed to know nothing about these
alleged payments.
"These comments and his ongoing behaviour have impacted negatively on everyone who
is associated with this club during his time as president.
"Having then trivialised the matter is appalling and while he does not represent
this club, there is no doubt he has disgraced the Carlton Football Club and in doing
so slurred everyone connected with Carlton.
"We all have to take responsibility for our comments and actions and everyone at
Carlton - members, supporters, officials, players, coaches, past players, indeed the
entire Carlton family - have been insulted by John's comments and actions.
"As a result, while John harbours such opinions he will not be welcome at the club
and he will not be permitted to attend any official Carlton Football Club
functions."
his assertion the Blues paid hush money to women who claimed they were raped by
players.
The Blues have also banished Elliott from the club following the remarks he made at
a Hobart lunch recently, when he alleged Carlton had paid off women to prevent them
speaking over claims they were raped by players during the 1980s and `90s.
Elliott, who presided over the club from 1983-2002, later reiterated his comments on
a television show.
Elliott was interviewed by police over his comments, but has refused to elaborate
publicly on his allegations.
Carlton have remained silent since Elliott made the remarks, but conducted an
investigation which included interviewing former chief executives Ian Collins and
Stephen Gough and other past administrators.
The Blues are adamant Elliott's allegations are untrue.
Current president Stephen Kernahan broke the club's public silence on Tuesday,
saying he is bewildered by the remarks and finds them "disgraceful".
"As far as we are aware there is no basis to John's allegations, so why he made them
only he can say," said Kernahan, a Carlton player from 1986-97 and captain from 1987
until his retirement.
"We have noted that he has since publicly claimed to know nothing about these
alleged payments.
"These comments and his ongoing behaviour have impacted negatively on everyone who
is associated with this club during his time as president.
"Having then trivialised the matter is appalling and while he does not represent
this club, there is no doubt he has disgraced the Carlton Football Club and in doing
so slurred everyone connected with Carlton.
"We all have to take responsibility for our comments and actions and everyone at
Carlton - members, supporters, officials, players, coaches, past players, indeed the
entire Carlton family - have been insulted by John's comments and actions.
"As a result, while John harbours such opinions he will not be welcome at the club
and he will not be permitted to attend any official Carlton Football Club
functions."
