Multiple players facing bans as AFL launches investigation into GWS Giants’ end-of-season party
The AFL has launched an investigation into player behaviour at an end-of-season party involving the GWS Giants.
7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary has revealed the exclusive details of the probe, which involves several players and relates to distasteful costumes, jokes and skits from the post-season event.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: AFL launches investigation into GWS Giants’ party.
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“It’s understood the dress-ups theme was celebrity couples ... with activities related to that,” Cleary said.
Cleary said there were no victims from the public — and the scenes were kept all between the players — but the AFL and the club had become aware of some disturbing activities after an anonymous tip-off.
Given the players were in a private room, it is suspected that tip-off came from a person working behind the bar.
Cleary said some players were overseas and had only found out about the issue on Tuesday.
He said players would now be given the chance to respond to the claims of disrespectful behaviour.
Players apparently performed a skit from a movie. GWS skipper Toby Greene dressed up as Raygun and is set to receive a heavy financial penalty for showing a lack of leadership.
It was also reported elsewhere that another player made an ill-informed joke about US rapper Sean Combs (AKA Diddy, P.Diddy and Puff Daddy), but the GWS say that is not true.
However, it has been confirmed players did dress as former rugby league player Jarryd Hayne and Aussie basketballer Josh Giddey.
The club and its integrity unit have been working with the AFL’s integrity unit to investigate.
The club will make no further comment until the outcomes of the investigation have been finalised.
“It’s understood the club’s own internal probe discovered no illegal activity,” Cleary said.
The Giants became aware of the situation after the anonymous allegation last month.
The matter is now in the hands of the AFL
“(But) the Giants are set to be without multiple players to start next season,” Cleary said.
He said other players could be hit with financial penalties.
Originally published on 7NEWS Sport
