Telstra has suspended its promotional activities involving Sydney Swans players Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner, both ambassadors for the company, as a police investigation into a alleged sexual assault unfolds. The organizers of the 2026 Sydney Marathon have also removed Sydney Swans branding from a designated fan zone.
These actions follow the Sydney Swans' decision on Wednesday to stand down five players, including Heeney and Warner, for the remainder of the AFL season. The club stated that the players breached the team's standards and behavior code by staying out late, consuming alcohol, and bringing women back to their Melbourne hotel after a game against Essendon. The other players sanctioned are Riley Bice, Nick Blakey, and James Jordan.
A Telstra spokesperson confirmed that players assisting with the police investigation who are also Telstra ambassadors will not participate in any promotional activities during the ongoing inquiry. The company stated it will review their ambassador arrangements once the investigation is complete and provide further updates.
The 2026 Sydney Marathon has renamed the "Swans Block Party" in Moore Park to the "SCG Block Party" and has removed descriptions on its website specifically targeting Sydney Swans supporters. This decision aims to distance the event from the controversy.
Sydney Swans CEO Matthew Pavlich addressed the situation at a press conference, refuting several circulating claims. Pavlich clarified that while he could not comment on specifics related to the police matter, "all five players have not been formally interviewed by police, and no charges have been laid whatsoever." He further explained the club's decision to stand down the players, citing their conduct of "staying out late, it was drinking, it was to continue their night. It was bringing women back to the hotel. It was a long way short of what we expect of our players." He emphasized the club's commitment to holding players to a high standard.
Despite the initial concerns and the sponsors' actions, some Sydney Swans supporters have expressed continued support for the club's handling of the situation, particularly after the team announced the players' suspensions. The club, which has secured second place on the ladder, will use the upcoming match against North Melbourne as an opportunity to test the team without the suspended players ahead of the finals series in September.