Sydney Swans coach Dean Cox has voiced his profound disappointment following reports that up to five players are assisting police with an investigation into an alleged sexual assault. Victoria Police attended the Pullman Hotel in Melbourne on Monday morning after receiving reports of an incident. The Swans were staying at the hotel following their victory against Essendon on Sunday.
Police spoke with players Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Riley Bice, James Jordon, and a fifth unnamed player before they returned to Sydney. No charges have been laid at this time. Daily Mail Australia clarifies that it does not suggest any of the players are under investigation or involved in wrongdoing, only that they spoke to police regarding the alleged incident.
Cox addressed reporters Tuesday morning upon arriving at the club's headquarters. "Yeah, obviously extremely disappointed with what's happened and I understand the questions," he stated. "We'll update as we gather more information."
Club officials are reportedly deliberating on whether the players involved will be stood down from the upcoming match against North Melbourne, with potential sanctions possibly extending into the finals series. Such a decision could significantly impact the Swans' lineup, as several of these players are considered key members of the team. Cox indicated that discussions with the players would occur throughout the day.
According to witness accounts, two women approached hotel staff around 7 a.m. Monday, requesting access to a guest room. One woman was described as "hysterical" and reported being "touched" and overwhelmed by several men in one of the rooms. The women reportedly became agitated when denied re-entry to the room and confronted members of the team, including Cox, in the hotel foyer. The distressed woman was seen crying in a hotel restroom shortly before police were called.
A third woman later arrived at the hotel, and the group claimed to possess footage of the alleged assault. Unconfirmed reports also suggested a Sydney player may have thrown an object that struck a woman. Detectives have since requested CCTV footage from the hotel.
The AFL Integrity Unit and the Sydney Swans have both confirmed they are conducting their own investigations into the alleged incident. Swans CEO Matthew Pavlich stated that the club is "working with (AFL) and also the relevant authorities on this matter." He added, "We're still piecing together exactly what has transpired here and have our own set of internal enquiries ongoing. But it's safe to say we're extremely shocked and disappointed. We understand the level of interest in the matter and there is going to be lots of speculation. But given it is a police matter right now, that is all that we can say."