The AFL has not ruled out conducting a separate investigation into the Sydney Swans
“Pullman Four” after Victoria Police cleared them each of criminal charges.
Defender Riley Bice, 26, was cleared by police two weeks after the incident, though Isaac Heeney, 30, Chad Warner, 25, James Jordon, 25, and Nick Blakey, 26, remained subject to a police sex crimes investigation.
They have now been cleared of any criminal wrongdoing after a sexual assault complaint at a Melbourne hotel in August.
“Following a thorough investigation and based on legal advice, Victoria Police will not proceed with criminal charges due to insufficient evidence,” police said in a statement.
“Due to the ongoing civil matter, Victoria Police is unable to make further comment.”
The players had denied any criminal wrongdoing.
They were suspended by the Swans for breaching team rules; namely going out drinking and bringing women back to the club hotel.
Star defender Blakey decided to leave Sydney and sign with the Kangaroos this off-season.
AFL releases statement after police announce decision
The AFL released a statement following the decision, backing Sydney’s stand-down of the players and saying it may still open its own investigation.
“The AFL has been advised that the Victoria Police investigation has concluded, with no charges laid against any AFL player,” the statement read.
“This outcome is separate from action already taken to address the conduct of players who were sanctioned by the Sydney Swans in August.
“The AFL endorsed the Sydney Swans standing down five players for the remainder of the season, including all finals matches, in response to behaviour that fell well short of the standards expected of those involved in Australian football.
“The five sanctioned players were also deemed by the AFL to be unavailable for selection for the AFL All Australian award.
“Respect and accountability are standards which are fundamental to maintaining trust in the game, and everyone connected with it has a responsibility to uphold its values.
“The AFL recognises the importance of continuing to strengthen the game’s culture, education, and player accountability.
“The AFL reserves the right to investigate if any further relevant information comes to light.”
Heeney breaks silence after being cleared over hotel incident
Heeney, who was stood down as Swans vice-captain after the incident, has issued a statement, thanking his family and his fiancee Steffie for their support.
“The past three months have been incredibly difficult for my family, Steffie and those close to me,” Heeney said.
“Watching my family carry the weight of this has been heartbreaking.
“To my family and friends, your love and loyalty has meant more than words can do justice.
“To those that have never doubted me and stood by my side in solidarity – thank you.
I know it has not been easy in the face of such intense public scrutiny. I will never forget your support.”
He also thanked the club.
“To the entire Sydney Swans club – my teammates, coaches, the board, our sponsors, and our loyal members and fans – thank you for keeping faith in me,” he said.
“The Swans have given me an opportunity to live out a childhood dream and I am fully focused on repaying that faith by being the best person and player I can be.”
Blakey wouldn’t answer questions from reporters as he left North Melbourne training after the news broke on Friday.
“I’m not going to say much now guys, now is not the time,” he said.
“I’m sure you’ll be hearing from me pretty soon.
Swans players to still face civil action after Pullman Hotel incident
Slater and Gordon Lawyers, who are representing one of the women who complained to police, said she was devastated by Victoria Police’s decision and would continue with civil action.
“Our client is devastated by this outcome,” a statement from the legal firm said.
“She reported the incident immediately, provided a formal statement and co-operated fully with the investigation. She has shown enormous courage in coming forward.
“The decision by Victoria Police does not amount to a finding that the incident our client reported did not occur, nor does it diminish the seriousness of what she says happened or its profound impact on her.”
Slater and Gordon said “the absence of criminal charges does not prevent a civil claim from proceeding”.
“Slater and Gordon Lawyers is continuing to prepare a civil claim against the relevant parties and will continue to support our client through this extremely difficult time.”
Victoria Police received complaints that women were inappropriately touched and slapped by men at the Pullman Hotel on August 17.
The incident at Melbourne’s Pullman Hotel unfolded in the early morning of August 17, hours after Sydney had defeated Essendon nearby at the MCG.
The dancers who went up to the hotel room are threatening civil action against the Swans, Heeney, Warner, Bice and Blakey as well as former Swan Taylor Adams.
Swans order review after Pullman, Papley incidents
In a lengthy statement after a later incident, when star forward Tom Papley returned a positive roadside drug test last week, the Sydney Swans said the club’s board commissioned a review of the AFL program.
“ … a thorough analysis of the current state and examining the environment required for long term trust and success,” the club said in a statement.
“This process is well under way and is expected to be completed by the end of the year, with the board establishing a clear set of objectives. The core objective is to deliver recommendations and actions to achieve meaningful change wherever necessary.”
All Swans players are being interviewed by the club’s human resources boss and chief executive Matthew Pavlich.
“Actions and attitudes of some within our club has damaged and diminished many great things we do”, and that is “unacceptable and must change”, the statement went on to say.
Originally published as Victoria Police won’t charge Sydney Swans players over Pullman Hotel incident – but the AFL still can