Sex crimes detectives told of alleged drug use in Sydney Swans hotel room
Police investigation continues
Detectives investigating an alleged sexual assault at a Melbourne hotel have been informed that some Sydney Swans players reportedly paid female adult entertainers to consume drugs from their bodies. The police investigation is ongoing, with sex crimes detectives taking over the case after the alleged victim provided a formal statement. Police have not yet made any arrests or laid charges in connection with the alleged sexual assault.
The alleged incident is understood to have occurred at the Pullman Hotel in Melbourne in the early hours of Monday, following the Swans’ match against Essendon on Sunday night. Several adult entertainers reportedly joined players at the hotel after being hired. Multiple senior police sources indicated an arrangement was made in a hotel room for players to pay extra to use drugs, believed to be cocaine, from the women’s breasts and buttocks. It remains unclear how many or which players allegedly participated in these activities.
The alleged sexual assault reportedly centres on a player touching one of the women without her consent. The woman was reportedly seen leaving the hotel room distressed, and a Triple Zero (000) call was made to police shortly after. Police were observed gathering evidence from the hotel on Monday.
Club sanctions and apologies
The Sydney Swans announced on Wednesday that five players – Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, James Jordon, Riley Bice, and Nick Blakey – have been stood down for the remainder of the AFL season. The club stated that these suspensions were due to breaches of club standards, specifically for drinking and bringing women to the hotel. These actions were taken independently of the ongoing police investigation.
The suspended players issued a public apology on the Sydney Swans website, stating, “We are deeply sorry to everyone involved.” They acknowledged letting down their partners, families, members, supporters, teammates, the AFLW team, corporate partners, and the wider community. The players accepted the club’s sanction and apologised for the impact their actions had.
Swans chief executive Matthew Pavlich expressed embarrassment and shame regarding the players’ choices and their impact on the women involved and the club. He stated the club’s concern for the welfare and wellbeing of those women. Sydney Swans chairman Andrew Pridham also apologised to fans, players, and the community, explaining that the sanctions were for breaching club standards by drinking later than permitted and bringing women to the hotel.
When questioned about drug testing, Pavlich referred inquiries to investigators, stating it was a matter for police. However, law enforcement sources disputed this, indicating police do not have the authority to drug test players in this investigation unless they were engaged in an activity where being under the influence is illegal, such as driving or operating heavy machinery.
Impact on the club
The AFL chief executive, Andrew Dillon, described the reports of the alleged sexual assault as “deeply concerning.” The Swans have had a strong season, currently holding second place on the ladder, which secures them a spot in the qualifying and elimination finals round set to begin in two weeks. The club is scheduled to play against North Melbourne at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday, which will be their final fixture before the finals.
Heeney and Warner are considered prominent players in the sport. Unlike some other Australian sports, the AFL does not have a strict no-fault stand-down policy for players charged with serious offences like sexual assault, instead handling such cases on a discretionary, case-by-case basis. The Sydney Swans, the AFL, and Sporting Integrity Australia have all been contacted for comment regarding the situation.
Club officials held discussions with the players on Tuesday, prior to their suspension. The police investigation into the alleged sexual assault is continuing.
Source: abc.net.au
