• It was clearly banter, says McGuire
• McGuire's comments were 'vicious': Wilson
• Gillon McLachlan's full statement
HOLDEN is reviewing its major sponsorship of Collingwood as the fallout continues to last Monday's controversial radio segment that saw Fairfax journalist Caroline Wilson the target of an Eddie McGuire-led drowning jibe.
McGuire joked with North Melbourne chairman James Brayshaw and All Australian selector Danny Frawley about drowning Wilson and offered to donate $50,000 if she "stays under" water ahead of the Big Freeze at the 'G fundraising event on Queen's Birthday.
The exchange on Triple M led to criticism from the AFL in a statement on Sunday night, and eventually saw Frawley, McGuire and lastly Brayshaw express their regret.
Car manufacturer Holden expressed its concern on social media on Monday night, and on Tuesday issued a statement.
"Holden categorically disapproves of Eddy (sic) McGuire's inappropriate comments, along with those of his co-hosts. Holden prides itself on diversity, inclusion and social responsibility – they are cornerstones of our business," the statement said.
"Comments like these, regardless of their intent, have no place in today’s Australia and reflect poorly on the Collingwood Football Club, its fans, stakeholders and sponsors. Unfortunately, it can call into question the culture of the club, overshadowing good work done in the diversity space and local communities.
"Holden is engaging with Collingwood to directly express our disappointment and discuss the future of our sponsorship."
McGuire said on Tuesday morning he could understand the position of one of the club's major backers.
"They're entitled to it," he told Triple M.
"They put their name to the club. I hope we can work through the situation."
McGuire will front a scheduled Magpies board meeting on Tuesday night, and while he admitted he had reconsidered his position at the club, he indicated he would not be vacating his post.
"I will only be there if I'm a positive force and not a negative one," he said.
"At the moment I have been a negative force for the past few days, but I will work hard."
The car company last year signed a three-year, multi-million dollar deal to become the Magpies' major sponsor and holder of the naming rights to their Olympic Park training base, replacing Westpac.
Holden first partnered with the Magpies in 2013.
On Monday night, Wilson said she was prepared to move on following the McGuire-led ordeal and hoped the "horrible" remarks would drive a change in attitudes towards violence against women.
The respected Age journalist added she had since accepted the trio's public apologies, expressing her appreciation for McGuire's actions over the last few hours.
"He's [McGuire] definitely changed his tune. He's had a few cracks at it and he's finally got there tonight," Wilson told Channel Nine on Monday night.
"It's taken him time but to his credit I think what he said tonight was absolutely acceptable and I really appreciate that he's done it."
The Collingwood president first addressed the issue on his breakfast radio program on Monday morning, but stopped short of apologising directly to Wilson.
McGuire later expressed his regret on radio station 3AW for any harm caused to Wilson, before issuing another heartfelt apology on Monday evening in a club-produced video.
"In the last 24 hours, and particularly since this morning, I've seen the impact of the comments on her," McGuire told collingwoodfc.com.au.
"No person should ever feel uneasy or threatened in football's family, and for that, I am deeply sorry and I apologise unreservedly to Caroline for putting her in that position.
"I'm a father and a husband, I'm passionate about stopping the violence that claims the lives of more than 65 women a year in Australia.
"So too do I want to continue to play my part in changing the culture that has sustained violence against women."
Earlier on Monday, AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan fronted the media to condemn the comments, saying McGuire would not be sanctioned by the League after his eventual "legitimate and acceptable" apology.
