The AFL is pursuing the investigation of a disgusting racist string of texts. These messages were aimed at two of its burgeoning Indigenous stars, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Jase Burgoyne. The probe was triggered after both players’ teams notified the league of the disturbing communications late Sunday evening. This latest incident is a real reminder of the still considerable hurdles that Indigenous athletes continue to face in pro sports.
Wanganeen-Milera, a 22-year-old player, has gained recognition as one of the competition’s best and most effective ball-users in the back half. Since Round 2 of last year, he’s missed only a handful of games while emerging as one of the best players on his side of the field. This season, he has averaged 20 touches per game over 16 matches, solidifying his position as a key player for his team.
In addition to his eye-popping stats, Wanganeen-Milera has a tight-knit friendship with the duo of fellow Port Adelaide star Jason Horne-Francis and Burgoyne. Their friendship has certainly shown on the field and off, helping to create a tight-knit group and being leaders to a talented squad. Burgoyne is rounding into form as a legitimate AFL-caliber player, and fast. So long as he does well, the affection between these budding Olympians only deepens.
With Wanganeen-Milera’s electrifying debut still fresh in the memory, Wanganeen-Milera is clearing offers over $1 million a season. Port Adelaide is very much hoping to win his services and has already put in huge bids to bring him back to South Australia. The Saints were so sure they’d be able to retain him just last month. Their targets were coming under increasing fire from Port Adelaide, but they felt they could win his loyalty.
Indigenous player Xander McGuire spoke out on the crisis, on the extent of the shocking racist threats directed at Wanganeen-Milera and Burgoyne. He repeated what both players’ clubs did was quick. Yet in each of these examples, they acted quickly to alert the AFL to the offensive content in the communications.
“The AFL integrity unit is investigating vile racist texts sent to Indigenous stars Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Jase Burgoyne via Instagram direct message.” – Xander McGuire
