Five players from the Sydney Swans Australian Rules Football Club have been suspended for the remainder of the season following a late-night incident involving alcohol and women at a Melbourne hotel. The suspensions were announced by the club on Wednesday and are independent of an ongoing police investigation into an alleged sexual assault at the Pullman Hotel.
The suspended players are Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, James Jordon, and Riley Bice. The club stated that the sanctions were imposed due to breaches of team standards, including drinking alcohol beyond accepted hours and bringing women back to the hotel. Police in Melbourne have confirmed they are investigating the alleged sexual assault, which is said to have occurred in the early hours of Monday morning at the same hotel where the players were staying.
Sydney Swans chairman Andrew Pridham issued an apology to the club's supporters, players, and the broader community. "We are deeply embarrassed and ashamed that the poor choices of five of our players, and the impact that's had on the women involved and also the club," Swans chief executive Matthew Pavlich said. He added that the club is "deeply concerned about their welfare and the wellbeing of those women."
Victoria Police stated that officers have spoken with several individuals present at the hotel, but no arrests or formal interviews have been conducted. The Australian Football League (AFL) has indicated its support for the club's disciplinary actions. AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon called the reports of the alleged sexual assault "deeply concerning."
The suspensions come as the Sydney Swans are dominating the current season, holding second place on the league ladder and securing a spot in the upcoming finals series. The club is scheduled to play its final match before the finals on Sunday. Heeney and Warner are recognized as two of the sport's prominent stars.