The Sydney Swans have suspended five of their players for the remainder of the Australian Football League season following misconduct at a Melbourne hotel. Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, James Jordon and Riley Bice were stood down after the club determined they violated internal standards by consuming alcohol beyond permitted hours and bringing women to their accommodation following a weekend match.
The disciplinary action comes amid a police investigation into allegations of sexual assault that reportedly occurred in the early morning hours at the Pullman Hotel where the athletes were staying. Victoria Police have interviewed multiple individuals present at the venue, though no formal arrests or charges have been made against any of the five players at this stage.
Club leadership expressed remorse for the incident, with chairman Andrew Pridham apologizing to supporters and the broader community. Chief executive Matthew Pavlich stated the organization was “deeply embarrassed and ashamed” by the players’ conduct and expressed concern for those affected. The club emphasized that its disciplinary measures were made independently of the ongoing police investigation, which the AFL has publicly supported.
The suspension significantly impacts the Swans, who currently rank second on the competition ladder heading into finals play, which commences in two weeks. Two of the suspended players, Heeney and Warner, are regarded as prominent figures in professional Australian rules football.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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