In response to the crisis surrounding the sponsorship of the national women’s basketball team, Anthony Mundine, a prominent Australian athlete, has weighed in.
The organization was left in a financial mess after mining magnate Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting pulled out of its $15 million deal.
Players reportedly expressed their concerns about the team’s uniforms, which featured the Hancock Prospecting logo.
The controversy started after Donnell Wallam, an Indigenous athlete who is in line to make her debut for the Diamonds, reportedly refused to wear the team’s uniforms due to the Hancock Prospecting logo.
In 1984, Lang Hancock, the father of Rinehart, made controversial remarks about Australia’s indigenous population. He suggested that they be sterilized.
Despite intense pressure, Wallam decided to keep the logo on her jersey for her debut. However, on Saturday, the deal was withdrawn.
According to reports, Wallam was left devastated by the decision, and she was left feeling distressed.
Following the incident, Mundine came to her defense. He criticized Rinehart for failing to distance herself from her father’s controversial statements.
According to Mundine, Wallam should stay strong and continue to believe in what she believes. He also criticized Rinehart for failing to distance herself from her father’s statements.
He said that she could have apologized to the people of Australia and stated that she didn’t believe in those things.
Wallam reportedly withdrew her money from the organization. According to Mundine, there are many people supporting Wallam and urging her teammates to stick by her side.
He also stated that he was disgusted by Hancock’s statements but hoped that God would forgive him.