Premiership coach Paul Roos believes an apology from Collingwood could help pave the way for Heritier Lumumba to return to the game in some form.
Lumumba, who played 199 games for the Magpies from 2005-2014, has been in the spotlight in recent months over explosive claims that he was the subject of racial vilification during his time at the club.
Collingwood commissioned an independent report in the fallout that found the club guilty of “systemic racism” and internal and external pressure led to president Eddie McGuire's premature resignation last week after 22 years in the role.
After his falling out with the Pies, Lumumba moved to Melbourne, where he played 24 games over two seasons under Roos.
Roos has previously stated hearing about his experiences at Collingwood was "quite confronting for a senior coach”.
Speaking to The Herald Sun's Rebecca Williams, Roos said he believes the ex-defender is seeking validation for his claims.
He thinks acknowledging the previous harm caused could be the first step to salvaging Lumumba's relationship with the AFL community
“From what I have read, it's more about the apology and about his credibility. That's the thing (that upset him), that people didn't believe him,” Roos told The Herald Sun.
“When that happens to anyone, it is frustrating, and he tried to tell the truth. He tried to tell it the way it was.
“Hopefully he can be brought back into the fold.
“He wanted some validation for the things he said, and some people just thought he had made it up. There has been a lot said in recent weeks and hopefully he finds some solace in what's happening.”
Roos coached 268 AFL games for Sydney and Melbourne, including 66 at the Demons from 2014-2016, and is one of the highest regarded coaches of the modern era.
He is currently working as an advisor at North Melbourne.
