Tigers release statement on ‘embarrassing’ vision, link to Swans scandal
Richmond has released a statement denying their players were in any way making light of or emulating the Sydney hotel scandal in leaked vision filmed during Mad Monday celebrations.
There has been speculation the players were attempting to mimic what allegedly happened inside a Melbourne hotel room last Monday morning, which is now the centre of a police investigation.
Richmond players during Mad Monday celebrations. Seven
Victoria Police are investigating allegations of sexual assault after three women made statements last week. The Swans have stood down five players who were present inside the hotel room where adult entertainers were hired in the hours after that round 23 win over Essendon. The club sanction is separate from the police investigation and nine.com.au is not suggesting any criminal wrongdoing.
The Richmond statement indicates the players are “embarrassed” by their behaviour nevertheless.
“Richmond is aware of a video circulating from a player end of season gathering,” the statement reads.
“The club has spoken to the players who have expressed their embarrassment over their behaviour.
“The players are adamant they were in no way referencing or making light of recent matters.”
A federal politician called out Richmond on Tuesday after several Tigers players were filmed during the drink-up.
But the hotel where the players were celebrating issued a statement saying the story “has been blown out of proportion”.
A number of players can be seen in the video, which aired on Seven on Monday night, shirtless and appearing to whip and smack each other on the buttocks.
After the video of Tigers players aired on Nine’s Today on Tuesday morning, Hunter MP Dan Repacholi took aim at the AFL club.
“This was poorly, poorly managed by the Richmond footy club,” he said.
“Mad Monday is meant to be a day where they can all let their hair down a bit, but this is bloody ridiculous with what’s going on at the Swans right now.
“Sexual assault allegations are terrible, and these guys out there doing this sort of thing and mocking and taking the piss generally is just not the right look for the AFL, or for anyone.
“What we need is good blokes out there having conversations around this and calling it out for what it is, because this is unacceptable, and we need to make sure we do better.”
The hotel that was hosting the Tigers players on Monday issued a statement on social media.
“We could not speak more highly of the way they conducted themselves,” The Garfield Hotel said.
The pub released a statement. The Garfield Hotel
“For such a young group, they were extremely respectful and a fun group of boys to deal with.
“They enjoyed a few quiet beers to unwind after a long season, and we see nothing wrong with that.
“They had booked out the venue for the afternoon, so they were the only patrons on site. They enjoyed their afternoon and moved on.
“In our view, this has been blown out of proportion. Two members of the media were waiting on their arrival this morning and remained on site filming in the hope of capturing a misstep, which we consider disappointing.”
The AFL is set to host its annual All-Australian awards night on Tuesday, having delayed it a week following the Swans scandal breaking.
Veteran Nine journalist Tony Jones says this Tigers video is something the game doesn’t need.
“Not just Richmond bosses, I’ve got to say (it’s an issue for) for the AFL as well,” he told Today.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon. Getty Images
“They are still trying to deal with the Swans scandal, they are still trying to deal with the Geelong concussion contract.
“This is one from left field, that’s for sure. Richmond throughout the day will be endeavouring to speak to those players, I believe they haven’t done so yet.
“It’s not great timing, and the optics aren’t all that great.
“The first thing the club will be doing is wanting to know were (the players) re-enacting what might have transpired at the Pullman... if the answer is no, then I’m not entirely sure where you go.”
Richmond won just three games this season and finished second last on the AFL ladder.
