Former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley has spoken on comments and claims made by former Magpies player Heritier Lumumba on Monday.
Lumumba spoke out against staff during his time at Collingwood in a Herald Sun report, making claims of coaching staff using pornographic content during team meetings, as well as former CEO Gary Pert making inappropriate comments towards partners of Magpies players.
Lumumba claimed that he felt โspecific coaches and executives acted as though they were beyond reproachโ during his time at the club, stating that Buckley as head coach was unfazed by it all, leading to a feud between the two parties.
Lumumba also claimed that Buckley had labelled him as too sensitive, and was subsequently removed from Collingwood's leadership group.
Speaking on SEN Breakfast, Buckley explained where he stands on the comments made by the former Pie, stating that although he understands Lumumba's perspective on the issue, he feels the player's refusal to move on despite apologies being made is becoming problematic.
โIโm not going to be drawn into detail and Iโm not going to say that Heritierโs right here, wrong here because that is his perspective of the truth," Buckley said.
โBut there are other versions of the truth that are a long way away from the way that he perceives it.
โHe has been apologised to, Iโve apologised to him, the club has apologised to him.
โIt seems that Heritier doesnโt really want to move forward unless, I donโt know, heads need to roll. I donโt know exactly what heโs looking for or what his requirements are to feel like he has been heard."
Buckley also went on to own up to his own mistakes while part of the coaching staff at Collingwood, explaining that he feels he and the club remain open-minded and are willing to own up to mistakes when necessary.
โI havenโt been perfect as a leader. I havenโt been perfect as a person," Buckley stated
โI consciously thought of this โ I put my head on the pillow last night and I slept well because I know that I have owned my imperfections and Iโve owned the things that Iโm responsible for."
"It doesnโt mean Iโve been perfect, it doesnโt mean I couldnโt have done things better, but Iโm open-minded to continue to learn and I think the club is as well.โ
Buckley was both a teammate and coach of Lumumba's, with the pair sharing their time at Olympic Park between 2005 and 2014.
