Melbourne has moved to apologise for any “distress” caused from a pre-season meeting where senior club figures allegedly disclosed sensitive information about former Demon Steven May with players’ partners.
SEN first reported that club bosses including chief executive Paul Guerra, coach Steven King and head of footy Alan Richardson held a Teams meeting with partners of up to 15 players in February.
It was framed as an introduction for players’ partners to meet Guerra and King, following their appointments over the last 12 months, and Richardson to address a “a matter that impacts the football program” involving May, who was on personal leave at the time.
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However, the report states that a “whistleblower who was on the call claimed confidentiality obligations were breached regarding Steve May and his partner Sachi Dade’s personal situation, along with the sharing of inappropriate and inaccurate legal information.”
It’s understood there were no psychologists or welfare officers on the 20-minute call.
It was in reference to a welfare check conducted on a private residence on January 29. No charges were laid and the matter is now resolved, Victoria Police confirmed.
Steven May retired last month (Photo by Josh Chadwick/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
The AFL Players Association was made aware of the matter and considered it serious enough to refer it to the AFL, the report stated.
May retired last month after the club’s decision to cut ties with the premiership defender.
Melbourne confirmed the phone hook up took place and issued an apology in a statement.
“The meeting sought to provide reassurance of the club’s commitment to supporting the families as well as the playing group,” the club statement read.
“Whilst it was not our intent, we acknowledge the meeting has caused distress and for that the club is sorry.”
It’s alleged that while the meeting appeared to be well intentioned by the club, some described it as “deeply inappropriate.”
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According to SEN, Richardson said during the call: “Can we all just make sure we keep this information to ourselves?” Richardson said in the meeting at one point.
“The reason that this is a little bit unusual – I don’t think I’ve ever done this before – we’ve had issues with Clayton (Oliver) and the like. Is that this is involving a partner.”
Guerra allegedly said: This (the May situation) will not be swept under the carpet.
“We need to understand that our objective is that we have people living to the standards we want that work and operate inside the Melbourne Football Club … that’s everybody. If they can’t, then we will have conversations with them about what that may look like for them going forward.”
King allegedly added: “I want our football club to be a welcoming place where everyone can come. Character is obviously a massive part of my values and what I look for in footballers and people as well… It’s really important we address with you tonight the ‘Maysie’ stuff.”