Sydney Swans Players Will Not Be Charged Over Pullman Hotel Investigation

Victoria Police confirmed on Friday morning that no criminal charges will be laid against four Sydney Swans players. Police said that following a thorough investigation and based on legal advice, they will not proceed with criminal charges due to insufficient evidence.

The players and the incident

The four players are Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner and James Jordon, as well as Nick Blakey, who has since joined North Melbourne. Sexual Crimes Squad detectives received reports from three women of sexual assault after an alleged incident at a hotel afterparty on Wellington Parade in East Melbourne in the early hours of August 17. A fifth player investigated, Riley Bice, was cleared by police earlier.

After the claims emerged, the four players and Bice were suspended by the club, missing round 24 and the club's finals. The club said at the time that their conduct fell short of the standards of behaviour expected.

Club response and what follows

The Sydney Swans said in a statement that they acknowledge Victoria Police's confirmation that its investigation has concluded and no charges will be laid against any Sydney Swans player. Chief executive Matthew Pavlich said the club stood by its decision to impose its internal sanctions regardless of the outcome of the police investigation.

Police confirmed that a civil matter is ongoing. The AFL said it has been advised that the Victoria Police investigation has concluded.

(File photo: Sydney Swans players celebrate at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Image: AFL official website)