Sydney Swans players will not be charged after Melbourne hotel incident, police say

Victoria Police will not charge four Sydney Swans players who were investigated over an alleged sexual assault at a hotel in Melbourne, police have said.

The players are Isaac Heeney, James Jordon, Chad Warner and Nick Blakey, who now plays for North Melbourne. A fifth player, Riley Bice, was also suspended by the club but had already been cleared by police.

The investigation related to an alleged incident at the Pullman Hotel in Melbourne in August. Police have previously said that three women made a report following the alleged incident in the early hours of 17 August.

"Following a thorough investigation and based on legal advice, Victoria Police will not proceed with criminal charges due to insufficient evidence," a police statement read.

"Due to the ongoing civil matter, Victoria Police is unable to make further comment."

Australian media reported that three women, understood to be adult entertainers, had alleged inappropriate touching during the incident at the Pullman Hotel and are reportedly looking into civil action.

The quartet, along with teammate Riley Bice, were suspended by the Swans in August for breaching the club’s standards, including drinking and bringing women back to their hotel the night after an AFL game in Melbourne. The police investigation into an alleged sexual assault at the Pullman Hotel in Melbourne was conducted separately, with Bice and two other people believed to be in the hotel room at the time of the alleged incident understood to be treated as witnesses in the case.

The players have reportedly denied any criminal wrongdoing. They previously denied wrongdoing but apologised for breaching club standards by inviting women back to the hotel after a game and drinking.

Heeney welcomed the police announcement in a statement.

"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."

Heeney continued:

"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."

"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."

"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."

The scandal – and experienced forward Tom Papley’s alleged positive roadside drug test last week – prompted the Swans to engage external advisors to undertake an independent review of the culture of the club.

Sources

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