Betts urges fight against racism after Walker apology
Former Crows star Eddie Betts has spoken out about the Taylor Walker racism scandal, saying it’s “draining” fighting against racism in society.
Walker, a former teammate of Betts, was last week suspended for six matches and given a $20,000 fine for a racist comment made against North Adelaide Indigenous player Robbie Young at a Crows SANFL game last month.
The comment was first reported by a Crows official who overheard it at a quarter-time huddle.
Speaking to Fox Footy’s AFL 360 program on Tuesday night, an emotional Betts said the scandal has been “really tough to deal with”.
“It actually really hurts to be honest, just talking about it here,” Betts said.
“Everything that’s happened over the last 48 hours to the last week, it’s been hard.
“I just need everyone to really go on a journey to start educating, to start those conversations.
“Taylor Walker is going on his journey at the moment, and I know what kind of person Taylor is and he’ll hold to his word – he’ll do this with 110 per cent.”
""There is no room for racism in Australia." "
"Eddie Betts speaks after Taylor Walker incident."
"Tune into #AFL360 on Ch 502 or stream on @kayosports pic.twitter.com/c4zhXPb5vS"
"— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) August 10, 2021"
Betts said he was “hoping Australia would listen” to his plea.
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“We as Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people are sick of fighting because it just keeps happening,” he said.
Betts’s comments come after Crows CEO Tim Silvers on Tuesday could not guarantee Walker’s future at the club beyond this year.
“(Walker’s) contracted for next year but we need to understand how that looks and how he can reintegrate back into the group for next year,” Silvers told SEN SA.
“It’s too early to guarantee that (he will play for the Crows again) but he is contracted and we’ve got to work through it with a number of different people.”
-with AAP
