Five Sydney Swans players have been suspended for the remainder of the Australian Football League season following an incident at a Melbourne hotel that is linked to a police investigation into sexual assault allegations.
The players, identified as Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, Riley Bice, and James Jordon, released a joint statement apologizing for their behavior. "We are deeply sorry to everyone involved," the statement read. "We know that our behavior has fallen well short of the standards expected of us and the values of our club."
Sydney Swans chairman Andrew Pridham stated that the club has taken a firm stance, acknowledging the decision significantly impacts the team's premiership aspirations. "The only way we can deal with it is to put our foot down incredibly hard, which we've done," Pridham told reporters, emphasizing the severity of the sanction. "... And to effectively torpedo our season by making a decision, it just tells you how serious we're taking it."
Club CEO Matthew Pavlich expressed the organization's embarrassment and shame over the players' actions and their impact on the individuals involved, the club, supporters, and the wider community. Pavlich described the incident as involving "staying out late, it was drinking, it was continuing their night, it was bringing women back to the hotel."
Victoria Police confirmed on Wednesday that its Sexual Crimes Squad is investigating the allegations. The players have not been formally interviewed by police nor have they been charged.
The league has ruled all five players ineligible for selection for the remainder of the season, describing the club's suspensions as "appropriate." Several players, including Heeney and Warner, have also been stood down as ambassadors for Telstra.
Pridham and Pavlich affirmed their support for Swans coach Dean Cox, who was also present at the hotel but whose activities were deemed not inappropriate by the club. The club's AFLW team players have reportedly expressed deep disappointment over the controversy.
Governor-General Sam Mostyn, a former Swans board member and the first female AFL commissioner, stated her thoughts remain with the alleged victim and expressed devastation for the women of the Swans and the industry who have been affected by the incident.
The Sydney Swans, currently second on the ladder, have one home-and-away game remaining before the finals series.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) is available for support regarding sexual assault.
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service can be reached at 1800 211 028.