Ex-Gold Coast Suns player Joel Wilkinson is set to launch legal action against the AFL, claiming he's suffered years of racial abuse and sexual harassment during his playing career.
Wilkinson spent three years at the Suns between 2011 and 2013.
Will Barsby of Shine Lawyers has been advising Wilkinson of his legal options, and said the AFL has failed in their duty of care towards Wilkinson.
“In Australia, playing AFL is a full-time job for many young people and like any job there are laws to protect your rights in the workplace,” Mr Barsby told the Herald Sun.
“The AFL isn’t exempt from these laws just because it is a national past time.
“Sport is a business, players are employees.
“The AFL failed to protect Mr Wilkinson from vilification from his very first professional game.
“They have let our client down and allowed the abuse to continue. It has cut short his career.”
MORE TO COME.
