Major sponsor takes action on Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner amid Sydney Swans scandal
The superstar has effectively been stood down pending the police investigation.
Sydney superstars Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner will not participate in any ambassadorial activities for Telstra as the fallout to the alleged sexual assault scandal continues.
Heeney, Warner, Nick Blakey, Riley Bice and James Jordon were all handed season-ending bans for breaching club standards for their behaviour at a Melbourne hotel in the early hours of Monday morning.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Swans stand down five stars for standards breach
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The players have been linked to an ongoing police investigation into sexual assault allegations at East Melbourne’s Pullman Hotel, with no formal interviews taking place and no charges laid.
The AFL has let Sydney handle the internal punishments, wary of not potentially jeopardising police enquiries.
Telstra have also taken action, confirming that Heeney and Warner will not be a part of any activity while the police investigation is ongoing.
“We are deeply concerned by what’s been reported and respect the matter is currently being investigated by police,” they said in a statement.
“Players assisting police with their investigation who are also Telstra Ambassadors are not participating in any ambassador activity while the investigation is ongoing.
“We will review their ambassador arrangements once the investigation is complete and will provide an update at that time.”
Prior to the incident, Heeney was one of the most marketable players in the league, becoming the face of AFL in Sydney, and the face of many brands.
He has also recently released a children’s book.
Sydney’s major sponsors QBE Insurance and Origin Energy released statements earlier in the week.
QBE Insurance said: “We have no tolerance for conduct that compromises the safety, dignity or wellbeing of others and we support the club’s position in condemning all forms of abuse and disrespectful behaviour towards women.”
Origin Energy added: “The club informed us about this incident on Monday, and we are incredibly disappointed. While the matter is subject to an investigation, it is not appropriate for us to comment any further.”
Meanwhile, the AFL are still yet to make a ruling on whether the banned Swans players will be eligible to make the final team or not.
Heeney, Warner and Blakey are all in contention for a post in the All-Australian squad, and the final team.
The squad was originally set to be released this week, but the AFL delayed naming it in the wake of the scandal.
Club president Andrew Pridham and CEO Matthew Pavlich faced the media on Wednesday after confirming the player suspensions.
“We’re deeply embarrassed and ashamed that the poor choices of five of our players, and the impact that’s had on the women involved, and also the club, our supporters and so many other people,” Pavlich said.
While the five players won’t be eligible for selection again this season, they will be invited back to the club at an appropriate time.
“We’re not abandoning our players,” Pavlich said.
“We are supporting our players through this really challenging time for them.”
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon on Tuesday released a statement calling for more respect around the allegations.
Dillon said the allegations and the conduct of the Swans players were “deeply concerning”.
“While the matter remains under police investigation, it raises broader issues for our game and our responsibilities as a sport,” Dillon said.
“The woman who made the report to police is entitled to privacy and care, and that should be respected.”
If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or Sexual Assault Counselling Australia on 1800 211 028, the WA Sexual Assault Resource Centre on 6458 1828 or 1800 199 888 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Originally published on 7NEWS Sport

