'Hope your mother dies': The vile sledge that rocked Aussie sport, but Harrison Petty's mum refutes claims she's terminally-ill

Karen, on the other hand, was working behind the desk at a hardware store in the family's hometown of Wudinna on Thursday, August 25, looking healthy. "That's all rumors," she responded when asked about reports that she was terminally ill, according to Daily Mail ''I don't have cancer,'' she said with an amused smile. Petty's father, Simon, also stated that his wife was not ill, though both refused to discuss the Zorko situation, reveal what was said, or explain why their son was upset.

For generations, the family has lived in the small town of 550 on the Eyre Peninsula, about seven hours from Adelaide. The Petty family was local sporting royalty long before the defender lifted the AFL Premiership Cup last season. Karen is one of Eyre's best-ever netballers, having played for Wudinna United's A grade team for 18 seasons and winning 13 premierships, as well as nine clubs and three league best and fairest awards.

She has spent the last decade assisting the club as a coach and logistical organizer after her playing days were over. Her last two titles were shared with her daughter Hannah, 25, who now co-captains the Thunderbirds in the Super Netball league. Petty was selected by Melbourne in the third round of the 2017 draught and was named the Harold Ball Memorial Trophy winner for the Demons' best first-season player in 2019. 

The sledge sparked a heated debate between Melbourne and Brisbane football managers Alan Richardson and Danny Daly before Zorko was confronted by several Demons at full-time. Melbourne said on Saturday, August 20, that it accepted the Lions' apology and was happy to put the matter to rest after Petty and Zorko had a heart-to-heart after the game. 

"I have apologized to Harrison for the inappropriate comment I made to him,'' Zorko said. "I'm remorseful for my actions and take full responsibility for the hurt caused to Harrison, his family, and the Melbourne Football Club. In reflection, I understand I need to be a better leader and have spoken with the club who have reinforced this," he added, as per the Daily Mail. 

Despite multiple calls for the AFL to probe the Brisbane star's comments and summon him before a court of law, the league has taken no action. Many AFL fans and pundits were outraged by Zorko's lack of punishment, believing it would send a message that such comments were acceptable. Zorko later claimed that he wasn't the only one engaging in sleazy banter during the match and that he was provoked into the sledge.