Swans sponsors withdraw support after allegations

AFL

The Sydney Swans' main sponsors have spoken about the players linked to a serious police investigation. (Getty Images: Darrian Traynor)

In short:

Several sponsors have stopped work with the Sydney Swans because of a police probe into an alleged incident in Melbourne.

Other brands have released statements about the issue but still back the club.

The club apologized for the "distress" caused to the "wider community" and the effect on business partners and others.

Many brands linked to the Sydney Swans have paused their work with the club after a police probe into an alleged sexual assault in Melbourne on Monday.

Five Swans players – Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, Riley Bice and James Jordon – are linked to the police investigation.

The players have not yet been formally interviewed or charged, and no one is being accused of sexual assault.

Sponsors Colgate, Volkswagen and Telstra told the ABC they have "suspended" or "paused" their work with the involved players.

Other sponsors, like QBE and realestate.com.au, have condemned any abuse or violence against women but have not fully withdrawn support for the club.

Swans chairman Andrew Pridham and chief executive Matthew Pavlich gave a "sincere apology for the distress this incident has caused the wider community" in a Wednesday afternoon statement, naming members, supporters, business partners, Academy families, staff, athletes, their partners and families.

Five Sydney Swans players were stood down for the rest of the season for breaking club rules and issued an apology to the club, fans and the wider community.

"Our thoughts are with everyone affected, especially the women involved. All women deserve to feel safe and respected," the statement said.

"We understand and share the hurt many of you feel. Saying we are disappointed is an understatement.

We know that moving forward as a club will take time.

Every member of our community will deal with this in their own way, and we do not take your trust or support for granted.

We are committed to doing the work needed to uphold the values, standards and culture we expect from everyone at the Sydney Swans.

Andrew Pridham (right) and Matthew Pavlich have apologised to those affected by the allegations. (Getty Images: Mark Metcalfe)

Several club sponsors have voiced concerns but said they will not comment while the police investigation continues.

"QBE acknowledges the seriousness of the reported allegations," a spokesperson told the ABC.

"We do not tolerate behaviour that harms the safety, dignity or wellbeing of others and we back the club's stance in condemning all abuse and disrespect towards women.

"Because a police investigation is active, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.

A realestate.com.au spokesperson said the company is "deeply concerned" by the allegations and will wait for police findings.

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has withdrawn from a match‑day event ahead of this Sunday's double‑header.

"Given the serious nature of the current investigations involving Sydney Swans players, we have decided to step back from planned match day activities with the Sydney Swans this Sunday," the statement read.

"We have shared our concerns directly with the club and we are in regular contact with them.

"As investigations continue, it would be inappropriate to comment further now. Our focus stays on encouraging blood and plasma donations to help patients across Australia receive life‑saving treatment.

Police are investigating an alleged sexual assault that happened at the Pullman Hotel on Monday morning. (ABC News: Danielle Bonica)

All five players have been suspended by the Swans for the rest of the AFL season.

The bans are separate from the police probe and relate to the players staying out late drinking and bringing women to their hotel, for which they have apologized.

Volkswagen Group Australia said it is aware of reports and will pause its work with all involved players.

"Volkswagen Group Australia has clear values and expectations for the organisations and individuals linked to our brands," the statement said.

"We do not tolerate violence, assault, intimidation or any abusive behaviour."

"Because of the reported allegations, we have paused our work with the involved players."

On Wednesday, Telstra said it was "deeply concerned" by the incident and that players who are also Telstra ambassadors are not taking part in any ambassador work while the investigation is ongoing.

Heeney and Warner have both appeared in Telstra promotions and ads this season.

"We will review their ambassador roles once the investigation is finished and will give an update then," Telstra said.

Colgate Palmolive said it has "suspended" its personal partnership with Heeney "pending completion of the investigation."

The company said it is "aware of reports about a Victoria Police investigation" and that it "takes these matters very seriously."

Heeney's children's book removed from shelves

Isaac Heeney's publisher has "paused promotion" of his two books and the release of a third. (Instagram: Isaac Heeney)

Heeney's publisher, Allen & Unwin, has paused the third book in his Little Isaac Footy Fever series, Super Swan, which was due in November.

"Allen & Unwin is aware of reports about Isaac Heeney and a Victoria Police investigation, and his employer has applied sanctions under club policy and his employment terms," a statement read.

"We view this matter seriously and believe the women involved deserve respect and support.

"We have paused promotion of his two books and the publication of his third book while the police investigation is underway. We cannot comment further while police handle the matter.

Gleebooks, Readings and Big W have all confirmed Heeney's books have been taken off shelves nationwide.

"Following our policy for such matters, we removed Isaac Heeney's books from our shelves as soon as we learned of his involvement in the allegations," a Gleebooks spokesperson said.

Big W said it has paused all sales of the book "pending the outcome of this matter."

"BIG W regularly reviews its product range to ensure it matches our values and community expectations," the statement read.

"We have decided to pause all sales of Little Isaac Footy Fever books in our stores and online."

Booktopia still stocks the book but said it will "continue to assess the situation".

"We are working closely with the publisher on their plans and will keep assessing the situation," Booktopia said.

"We appreciate the sensitivity and will carefully consider any decision together with the publisher in due course."

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