Eddie McGuire Dismisses Collingwood's Will Letter Controversy as 'Beat Up'
Former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire has laughed off the recent controversy surrounding the club's 'will letter' initiative, labeling it a 'beat up' and quipping that 'you fish where the fish are'. The controversy erupted on Thursday when fans took to social media to express outrage after Collingwood mailed information about its new bequest program to supporters over the age of 50, using their database.
Outrage and Apology Over Insensitive Mailings
Mass outrage ensued as some of the letters were sent to individuals with life-threatening illnesses, leading to accusations of poor taste, insensitivity, and 'taking money from the dead'. In response, the club issued a formal apology, and McGuire acknowledged that some members may have been surprised by the letter, given that Collingwood had only just launched the initiative. However, he emphasized that bequest programs are common across sporting clubs and institutions, and he could see the lighter side of the situation.
McGuire's Humorous Take on the Situation
Speaking on Triple M's Mick in the Morning, McGuire joked about not receiving a letter himself, saying, 'I'm disappointed I didn't. It must be my youthful looks.' He added, 'I'm just a supporter these days, so I'm on the outside of it all, but have you seen a greater beat-up story than this? Seriously!' While understanding the sensitivity, he humorously noted that half of Collingwood's list qualifies for such letters now, with 38-year-old champion Scott Pendlebury at the front of the queue.
Defending Bequest Programs and Sharing Anecdotes
McGuire defended the practice, stating that it is not standard operating procedure but jokingly added, 'you fish where the fish are, don't you? Let's be honest.' He pointed out that every private school has a bequest situation right now. Reflecting on his time as president, he shared an anecdote about Victoria Park, Collingwood's former training base, which used to 'lift by an inch every year' due to the number of people who sprinkled family ashes on the turf.
Historical Context and Personal Insights
He revealed an exclusive story from the mid-90s, when Collingwood's finances were struggling before his presidency. Out of nowhere, a farmer from Albury left the club $1 million cash, which McGuire suggested might be at the back of everybody's mind. He also disclosed that he has had a bequest for Collingwood in his will since he was 25, though his sons, Xander and Joe McGuire, recently protested when they saw it, with Xander being a gun reporter for 7NEWS and Joe a college football star in the US.
Conclusion and Light-Hearted Remarks
McGuire concluded by saying the letter might have caused 'a bit of a shock' and understood why the club apologized. He ended with a light-hearted remark, hoping that 'the only death that happens is on Sunday night when we kill St Kilda.' This incident highlights the delicate balance between fundraising efforts and fan sensitivity in the world of sports.
