AFL manager Gillon McLachlan apologizes to Eddie Betts over Adelaide Crows pre-season camp amid talk of possible class action lawsuit

The AFL has publicly apologized to former Adelaide Crows star Eddie Betts for his controversial pre-season training camp experience as class action lawsuit stories swirl.

Betts, a 350-game veteran who retired last year, In his new biography, he outlined the trauma he experienced as a result of the 2018 camp.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has apologized to Betts for the injuries caused by the camp.

McLachlan told radio station 3AW this morning that the camp had been “thoroughly investigated” by AFL and WorkCover SA and both organizations. I made sure I didn’t break any rules.

“Like I said, it doesn’t mean there wasn’t something dishonorably executed,” he said.

“We have changed the system and apologize for the injury to Ed.”

McLachlan said the changes the AFL has made include the introduction of Indigenous Liaison Officers in all clubs and “structured and regular communication with Indigenous cohorts.”

Camps must also be approved by the AFL before proceeding.

“All camps must be approved by the AFL to ensure the protection of the physical and mental health of all participants,” he said.

McLachlan said he knew Betts was “injured by this for a while” but only recently learned “specific details”.

McLachlan said when he heard it would help Betts apologize publicly, he was “very happy to be able to do it.”

“I apologize for the broader failure,” he said.

The Crows too I apologized to Betts earlier this week..

AFL Players Association He said he would speak to all the players who attended the camp..

McLachlan said in his book that he was “essentially” left out of discussing the racist letter Betts received at a press conference ahead of the 2016 Indigenous Peoples Round, AFL ‘s integrity department said it would investigate Betts’ allegations.

Attorney Pursuing Possibility of Class Action Lawsuit

Greg Griffin, a prominent Adelaide attorney who specializes in sports law, has spoken with several players on the Crows’ list in 2018 about possible class action lawsuits.

Adelaide Crows coach Matthew Nicks, who was appointed to the club in 2019, was unaware of those reports.

“I didn’t know that was the case,” he said.

“I’m not at the football club, so it’s difficult to comment.” [at the time].

Knicks said he has spoken to “several” current players who attended the camp and will be reaching out to Betts and other former players in the coming weeks to “see how they are doing.”

“I think everyone is affected differently,” he said.

He said the club is committed to rebuilding and “does a lot of work on our past”.

“This is the moment we want to do the right thing,” he said.