The Brisbane Lions officially note the findings of the AFL statement released today regarding Brendan Fevola (attached below).
The Club and Brendan have at all times fully cooperated with the AFL's investigations and will make no further comment on this matter.
MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
AFL General Manager Football Operations Adrian Anderson today said he had been provided with a report into allegations of misconduct by Brisbane Lions player Brendan Fevola.
Mr Anderson said the investigation by the AFL’s Manager - Integrity Services, Brett Clothier, and Cultural Strategy and Education Manager, Sue Clark, followed claims Fevola took a nude photograph of Ms Lara Bingle in 2006 and distributed it to AFL players.
Fevola was interviewed twice as part of the investigation. Ms Bingle, through her lawyers, declined to speak directly with the AFL but provided a statutory declaration, Mr Anderson said.
He said that while Fevola admitted taking the photograph, important circumstances surrounding this were currently in dispute. Further, there is at present, insufficient evidence to conclude that Fevola distributed the photograph.
“Given the evidence currently available to us and the time elapsed since the alleged behaviour, the AFL has not established that a breach of our Rules has occurred,” Mr Anderson said. “However, we will continue to monitor whether there are legal proceedings arising from this matter and the AFL remains willing to speak with Ms Bingle.”
“The AFL does not condone any behavior which shows a lack of respect towards women. All AFL players and officials should be aware that taking and distributing private images without consent is unacceptable and can result in sanctions under the AFL player rules.”
Ends
Patrick Keane
AFL Media Manager
