Aussie netballers slammed over $15 million uniform furore: 'Crazy'
A popular South Australian radio personality has taken a stunning swipe at the way Australia's netball players acted, in the wake of the $15 million Hancock Prospecting furore.
Netball Australia was rocked by news over the weekend that Gina Rinehart's company had withdrawn its $15 million sponsorship agreement with the cash-strapped organisation.
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The move came after a standoff between Netball Australia and Diamonds players, who expressed concerns about wearing the Hancock Prospecting branding on their uniforms.
Those concerns stemmed from West Australian Indigenous player Donnell Wallam, who is set to debut this week against England, taking exception to the company's record on Indigenous matters dating back 40 years to comments by Rinehart's late father, Lang Hancock.
Hancock Prospecting is owned by Gina Rinehart, daughter of the company's founder, Lang, who suggested in the 1980s that Indigenous people should "breed themselves out" in coming years.
Wallam's teammates had supported her concerns and initial requests not to wear the company's logo on her uniform during the three-Test England series, before the sponsorship deal was sensationally pulled on Saturday.
The bombshell move came despite reports Wallam had eventually agreed to wear the logo on her uniform, leaving cash-strapped Netball Australia scrambling for a new backer.
"We're disappointed that the sponsorship is off the table; we were very excited, wanted to support it," Diamonds captain Liz Watson said after Australia reclaimed the Constellation Cup with a 57-52 victory over New Zealand in game four on Sunday.
"But we supported Donnell, the growth of this program and we've showed different learning points along the way, from an organisation and players as well.
"We speak about an environment where everyone feels comfortable and can perform at their best.
"That's what I take out of this ... and I think we were able to show that (in Sunday's win).
"I love this group, I'm so proud of every single one of them, it's not just Donnell, it's everyone."
SA radio host takes aim at Aussie netball players
Speaking in the wake of the sponsorship controversy, SA radio host Andrew “Cosi” Costello accused the country's netball players of "spitting in the face" of Rinehart.
Costello - who hosts breakfast radio in SA and has a long-running TV travel show - says he "feels sorry" for Australia's richest woman, who also sponsored his Cows for Cambodia charity.
“She’s the richest woman in Australia but still had the time for our little charity,” Costello wrote on Facebook.
“She was attracted by her love for the cattle industry and helped us to no end. Never once asking for anything in return.
“She was kind enough to spend $15 million sponsoring this netball team. She didn’t have to. She chose to help them. Then a few don’t like mining so they crack the s****s.
“You’d think a group of ladies would embrace and welcome a successful businesswoman like Gina. Instead they spat in her face.
“Gina will find someone more grateful to accept her money. I feel sorry for her. She was doing this because she wanted to help.
“To the team members that got the s***s. You’ve won. You’ve lost the sponsor. But at what cost to the rest of the team or the sport? Time will tell.
“I wonder are those that got the s**** using any products that are derived from mining? I bet they are. Of course they are. Crazy!”
Andrew Costello comments spark backlash
Costello's comments sparked backlash after being shared on Reddit, with many accusing the media identity of grossly missing the point about the Netball Australia controversy.
“Sorry Cossie, it was all actually about what her (Gina Rinehart's) father said about our Indigenous cousins,” one commenter wrote.
“It was downright racist, and especially because we have Indigenous players in the national netball team I understand their angst entirely.
“All Gina had to do was come out and say that in no way did she support her late father’s opinions on this matter. So do we assume that she also thinks the same, I surely hope not.”
Following the withdrawal of its sponsorship, Hancock Prospecting released a statement saying the company had "not been made aware" of the concerns raised by players and did not want to be responsible for any "disunity" in netball.
Netball Australia said they were "disappointed" after the $15 million sponsorship withdrawal, with Hancock taking aim at Netball Australia's "virtue signalling" in a follow-up statement.
“Hancock and its executive chairman Mrs Rinehart consider that it is unnecessary for sports organisations to be used as the vehicle for social or political causes," the company said.
with AAP
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