Controversial Collingwood star Jordan De Goey has been sidelined by the AFL club, with no deadline set for his return.
Key points:
- De Goey “will conduct behavioral education,” but has avoided any suspension
- The Magpies have suspended contract negotiations with the troubled 26-year-old
- De Goey was expected to face the media in the coming days, but it is unclear if this will happen now
He arrives a day after he was hit with a $ 25,000 suspended fine and apologized for his “disrespectful” behavior while partying in Bali, which was captured by the camera.
“Collingwood reports that Jordan De Goey has been sidelined by the club and will not be playing in the 15th round against GWS. [on Sunday]”The club said in a statement on Thursday evening.
“Jordan has been out of training this week and the club will continue to support him in his return to the football program.”
Images appeared on social media last week of De Goey, who was given permission by the club to travel to Bali during his mid-season vacation, making big gestures while at a nightclub.
The fine is suspended until the end of the season and depends on good behavior.
The date of De Goey’s return to Collingwood is unknown. (Getty Images: Quinn Rooney)
De Goey will also “conduct behavioral education” in addition to an existing counseling program, but has avoided any suspension from office.
Collingwood has also suspended contract talks with the 26-year-old, who enters free agency, until the end of the season.
“The actions shown in the video footage are disrespectful and I accept that I have betrayed the confidence the club has shown in me by allowing me to take a half-season break abroad,” De Goey said in a statement. Wednesday.
“My actions have been below the standards that were expected of me as a person, as an AFL footballer and as a Collingwood representative.
“I had worked hard this year to build trust and confidence in myself to make better decisions and because of no one but me, I have broken that trust.
“Once again, I apologize for my disrespectful behavior. I understand that I have disappointed many people and that I have a lot of work to do to regain confidence.”
The 26-year-old’s statement clearly contrasted with his initial response via Instagram, where he had lamented the “persecution” of athletes by the media.
Collingwood CEO Mark Anderson condemned De Goey’s actions as a show of disrespect for women.
He was especially dismayed at the sight of De Goey stretching a woman’s top, almost exposing her breast.
The Bali incident comes after De Goey was fired by Collingwood last October when he was arrested for a drunken incident at a New York nightclub.
Anderson also said on Wednesday that De Goey will speak in the coming days, but it is unclear if this will happen now as the player is out.
The AFL said Collingwood had “handled the matter properly” and that the league would not take further action against De Goey, although he condemned his behavior as a bad example.
AAP