An "emotional" Ross Lyon has issued an apology to St Kilda players after making an inappropriate comment about Indigenous players earlier this month, which led to the coach offering to consider his position.
The incident is understood to have happened before the club's bye in April, where Lyon said, during a drill: "I love the Brotherboy connection but we all have to remember we are part of a bigger team here."
Lyon, in a statement provided to Channel Seven's the Agenda Setters, apologised, taking full responsibility.
"I'm not here to justify or try to rationalise what I said. We are all only as good as our next moment and it was a moment I understand I misjudged," Lyon said.
"He (Ross Lyon) doesn't think he's racist and he certainly was horrified at how much he had hurt those players."
🗣️ Caroline Wilson following Ross Lyon's comments to three Indigenous players at St Kilda pic.twitter.com/ZnXSpvnFsh
— 7AFL (@7AFL) April 27, 2026
"Was I being flippant? Could it be described as casual racism? I learned a lot out of what happened.
"It didn't land where it should have landed and I have to wear that, and I take full responsibility for what I said.
"I was very emotional at the meeting, and I offered to consider my position."
It's understood that Brad Hill and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera were less than impressed with Lyon's comment, but have since publicly backed their coach.
The incident was spoken about by the panel on the show, which indicated that Lyon called in the players on their day off to clear the air, and take responsibility for his actions.
