Wayne Carey Clarifies Hall of Fame Attendance Controversy
Last updated on July 4, 2024 at 20:26 pm
Posted on July 4, 2024 at 20:21 pm
Wayne Carey, a notable figure in Australian football, has denied claims that he was blocked from attending a Hall of Fame event by the AFL.
Background of the Incident
Event: Carey was supposed to be elevated to 'Legend' status in the NSW Hall of Fame at a function in Sydney in May.
Controversy: On the morning of the event, it was reported that AFL chief Andrew Dillon had ordered the halt of Carey's elevation.
Reported Concerns
The AFL reportedly had concerns about the optics of Carey's elevation, especially since the league was publicly addressing violence against women that same weekend. This stems from an incident in 2007 where Carey was accused of glassing his then-partner, Kate Nielson. Although Nielson did not press charges, she mentioned that the incident left her "bleeding profusely from the mouth."
Carey’s Response
On his podcast, "Uncensored with Wayne Carey," Carey provided his version of the events:
Initial Call: Carey received a call from AFL NSW asking if he would accept a call from Andrew Dillon.
Brief Conversation: Carey stated that the call with Dillon was brief and did not include any discussion about blocking his induction as a legend. Dillon reportedly told him to still attend the event.
Personal Choice: Carey mentioned that the decision to not attend was his own. He felt his presence would have diverted attention from the other inductees, turning the event into a media circus.
Carey's Reflections
Carey expressed no regrets about his decision to skip the event, although he did feel some disappointment:
Respect for the Event: Carey believed not attending was the right decision for everyone involved.
Personal Disappointment: He missed seeing his hero, Laurie Pendrick, and fellow Wagga Wagga native, Paul Kelly, being inducted.
Key Quotes from Carey
"No, I wasn't blocked from attending. That was my choice."
"He mentioned still go along, you going to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, (but) I don't want to detract from the rest of the players."
"I've lost no sleep over it... I sit very comfortable with not attending the night and I heard great things."
Wayne Carey has clarified the situation, emphasizing that the decision to not attend the Hall of Fame function was his own. He believed it was in the best interest of all involved to avoid creating a distraction. While disappointed about missing the chance to see notable inductees, Carey remains at peace with his choice.
