Heritier Lumumba listed his nickname as ‘chimp’ in AFL Record

Racism saga at Collingwood

The Collingwood racism saga continues to take new dimensions as Heritier Lumumba, known as Harry O’Brien during his early years at Collingwood claims one of his nicknames was The Chimp.

He made this claim in an interview he had with the AFL record years ago, which just resurfaced online. This led to Collingwood being accused of systemic racism. This allegation has led to the President, Eddie McGuire resigning on Tuesday.

Another twist was added to the saga when prominent football personality and former player for Geelong, Sam Newman, shared the profile of the player, printed in a magazine sold at the football grounds. He shared it on Twitter, asking his followers what they think of it.

It was also revealed that when Lumumba was asked what he would be if he was an animal, his answer was a chimpanzee. He also claimed he found it difficult to say no.

Some people have used these responses to claim he was okay with the nickname. However, others suggest he could have just agreed to it so he could fit in with roommates.

In the past, Lumumba has called out Collingwood for permitting systemic racism without trying to stop it, but Simon Buckley, his former teammate, claimed he made up the nickname for himself.

According to Buckley, an indigenous, he was fine with it when he was playing well and winning. During those times, he called himself a chimp. But ten years later, when he has been out of the limelight, he brings up the issue so he can be back on the media and make some money.

Simon Buckley further stated that Lumumba should have complained about it at that time instead of calling himself the name if he really wanted to fight racism.

Lumumba also responded to the allegations, claiming the nickname started during the pre-season in 2005, and he did not make it up.

He claimed that the nickname was not the most racist thing he experienced at Collingwood during his ten years there. According to him, by the time he has spent two months at the club, he was already exposed to several racist ideas because the club culture enabled it through stereotypes, jokes, and even direct abuse.

He reiterated that he was a young man at that time. Between 23 – 24 years and had no idea of the dangers of racism as the club culture enabled it.

In an interview with Waleed Aly from The Project, Lumumba had to defend himself on the nickname as Aly seemed to make it doubtful that Lumumba was ever called the name. The interview was later deleted amidst calls that Amy should apologise.