Commentary courtesy of Paul Murray Live & Sky News Australia.
Sky News host Paul Murray says netball in Australia is in a “world of trouble” on the professional level with some Diamonds players reportedly refusing to step on the court wearing uniforms sponsored by mining magnate Gina Rinehart.
Netball Australia and its Players’ Association were in urgent talks ahead of the team’s second Test of the Constellation Cup, with players raising issues about wearing a uniform featuring new sponsor, Hancock Prospecting.
“While nobody believes that every single athlete believes in every single thing that every single sponsor that turns up on their jersey has ever said or done – you are thankful for the cash,” Mr Murray said
“Because, put simply, without it netball is broke and one of the great sports of this country goes into very dark days.”
Hancock Prospecting has committed to funnelling $15 million dollars over four years into a high-performance program for players, coaches and the Diamonds.
