Sydney Swans defender Riley Bice will remain suspended by the club for the remainder of the Australian Football League season, despite Victoria Police clearing him of involvement in an alleged sexual assault incident. Bice is now considered a witness following formal police interviews regarding an alleged incident at the Pullman East Melbourne last month.
Coach Dean Cox confirmed Thursday that Bice, along with Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, James Jordon, and Nick Blakey, will continue to be stood down. The five players deny any criminal wrongdoing, and no charges have been laid. The club's decision to suspend them is separate from the ongoing police investigation.
The club initiated its own investigation into breaches of behavioral standards, finding that the players had been drinking, stayed out late, and invited women back to the team hotel prior to their Round 23 match against Essendon. These club-imposed sanctions are independent of the police inquiry, meaning Bice’s status as a witness does not alter the club’s decision.
"All five will remain stood down from the football club, the police investigation and the behavioural nature will be separated, and that will remain," Cox stated ahead of the team's qualifying final against Brisbane.
While the players are barred from competing for the rest of the season, the club has not yet determined a timeline for their potential return to training or other club duties. Cox indicated that discussions regarding player reintegration are ongoing and subject to daily change.
Cox has maintained contact with the players, focusing discussions on their welfare. He also declined to confirm whether the Swans had conducted their own drug testing, stating only that the club adheres to its illicit drug policy.
Swans chairman Andrew Pridham had previously acknowledged that the suspension of five senior players could jeopardize the club's premiership aspirations. "They shouldn't have been in that situation of being out that late, and the only way we can deal with it is to put our foot down incredibly hard, which we've done," Pridham said.
The controversy led to a small group of supporters walking out of the SCG after a recent AFLW match. Cox has since apologized to fans, promising the club would work to regain their trust.