Five Aussie rules players escape charges after probe

Five players suspended by top Australian Rules side the Sydney Swans would not face charges, police said yesterday, after a probe into an allegation of sexual assault.

Riley Bice, Nick Blakey, Isaac Heeney, James Jordon and Chad Warner were suspended in August for late-night drinking and bringing women to their hotel after a game.

Yesterday, police in the state of Victoria said they had received a report of sexual assault in the early hours on Aug. 17 at the Melbourne hotel where players were reportedly staying after a game the previous day.

A girl walks past the Sydney Swans’ headquarters building in Sydney on Aug. 18.

Photo: AFP

However, they said that “following a thorough investigation and based on legal advice, Victoria Police will not proceed with criminal charges due to insufficient evidence.”

“Due to the ongoing civil matter, Victoria Police is unable to make further comment,” they said.

One of the women who alleges she was assaulted would proceed with a civil claim, national broadcaster ABC said citing her lawyer.

In a statement to media, Heeney said he welcomed the announcement from police.

“The past three months have been incredibly difficult for my family, [partner] Steffie and those close to me,” he said.

“Watching my family carry the weight of this has been heartbreaking,” he said.

The five players were suspended until the end of the season, which finished in September.

“The club was clear from the outset that this decision was separate from the police investigation, and it stands by that decision,” the Swans said yesterday.

“The club has commenced a comprehensive examination of its AFL program and is committed to acting on the findings and implementing meaningful change to build an environment that players, staff, members, supporters and corporate partners can be proud of.”

Australian Rules, an 18-player-a-side full-contact game of passing and kicking an oval ball, is the country’s most popular spectator sport.

It has long been marred by scandals, notably incidents of homophobia and racism.