Jason has been a tremendous player for our Club since arriving here at the start of the 2007 Season but recent events have made the relationship between the player and Club untenable.
We recognised when we recruited Jason that he was a unique individual.
Outside of his performances and significant contribution on the field, Jason’s profile provided the Bulldogs with a strong presence in the media which has been undoubtedly beneficial for the Western Bulldogs Football Club.
However, it is also the case that Jason has over the past eighteen months been involved in a number of incidents in which matters confidential to the inner sanctum of our football department and players have been the subject of inappropriate disclosure outside the Club. In most instances, Jason has admitted these breaches and sought to remedy his behaviour. But the breaches have continued.
This Club is involved in a serious campaign to go as far as it can in September and it is fundamental to that campaign that players, coaches and key staff have complete confidence that what is said within the inner sanctum of the football department, stays there.
We believe that we have bent over backwards to work with Jason on these issues. He has been counselled; given warnings and given opportunities more than once.
We will continue to demand compliance with the Clubs core values and we will not shirk tough decisions which are for the greater good of the Club.
It is our sincere hope that as a three time Premiership player and Brownlow Medallist, Jason will be remembered as one of the AFL’s great players. As a gesture of good faith, the Club will pay out the balance of his contract in full.
We wish Jason and his family all the best for the future.
