Tasmania Devils shut down questions as sacked VFL captain Robbie Fox keeps off-field job
A journalist was stopped mid-question as the new AFL club faced scrutiny over the situation.
Former AFL player Robbie Fox has kept his off-field job at the Tasmania Devils despite being sacked from the expansion club’s VFL side.
The 33-year-old captained the Devils in their inaugural VFL season this year, returning to his home state after a 105-game career with the Sydney Swans.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Presser shut down over unusual detail in Devils captain’s sacking
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.But it emerged this week he would not get another playing contract over behavioural concerns.
“This decision follows consideration of a range of factors including the future direction of our football program as we continue to prioritise the development of emerging talent,” the Devils said in a statement on Wednesday.
“The club’s expectations regarding player behaviour and adherence to our standards were also considered as part of this decision.”
Tasmania’s chief marketing officer Kath McCann said there were “situations” where Fox “probably had some areas for improvement and growth”.
“And he’s dealing with the consequences of that,” she said.
Multiple sources told 7NEWS Tasmania that Fox was allegedly involved in a pub incident in Hobart’s northern suburbs following a charity golf day with fellow VFL players.
McCann said there was “no one particular incident that led to this decision”.
“But I also want to make it clear that our club has very high standards,” she said.
Fox has not been sacked entirely — only sidelined.
He will continue in his desk role at the club as strategic projects lead.
Asked why he is being kept on amid behavioural concerns, McCann said: “We’re not going to be talking in detail around our internal processes. This matter has been dealt with with Robbie, and we are very confident and very comfortable with where it’s landed.”
Pressed on whether Fox was remorseful, she again refused to go into details and instead offered praise.
“Robbie’s a member of our staff, you know, he’s been a really important part of our inaugural year, and he’s a really great person,” McCann said.
Fox, who has yet to respond to requests for comment, was restricted to just 13 VFL games this year due to injuries.
He was a notable absence from a media event on Wednesday as the Devils launched their search for a new club song.
“Does he want to say...” one journalist began to ask.
McCann cut in: “I’m going to end the questions there, yep.”
Originally published on 7NEWS Sport
