At the conclusion of his show last week, Collingwood president Eddie McGuire strongly criticized radio talk-back host Neil Mitchell, after the 3AW broadcaster identified Collingwood players, Dayne Beams and John McCarthy, who are under police scrutiny for sexual assault allegations, during his program.
McGuire stated, “Collingwood Football Club, which I preside over, has only expressed intentions to protect individuals’ rights.”
He added, “The involved players and Collingwood Football Club have fully cooperated with every request made of us.”
Referring to Mitchell, he remarked, “Neil Mitchell is a self-important, self-declared windbag.”
“Fairness is his claim? This exemplifies the hypocrisy of Neil Mitchell,” he continued.
He pointed out that Mitchell advocates for equal rights under the law for all “unless they happen to be someone he wants to name.”
McGuire called it “extremely irresponsible.”
He criticized the phrase “club threat,” suggesting it implies that they are bullies. “This is a complete and unfiltered lie and distortion of the circumstance,” he stated.
The investigation revolves around an alleged sexual assault in South Melbourne, occurring just hours after Collingwood’s significant premiership victory last weekend.
Currently, no charges have been filed, and the two players have denied any misconduct. It is possible they are merely witnesses, as they were present at the location during the alleged event.
This news surfaced shortly after Deputy Commissioner Kieran Walshe condemned the online dissemination of the players’ names.
“Victoria Police has not released any names at all,” he stated.
He mentioned that he assumed investigators were consulted regarding one of the players allegedly going overseas.
Ian Prendergast, spokesperson for the AFL Players’ Association, indicated that the players are “firmly denying the allegations.”
He stressed the importance of noting that no charges have been made.
“We urge everyone to honor that and refrain from jumping to conclusions,” he said.
Beams, who was selected with pick 29 in the 2008 draft, has previously found himself in the spotlight for negative reasons.
Earlier this year, Collingwood suspended the tattooed forward for the club’s last practice match after he was spotted out late at night by a member of the Magpies’ “family,” resulting in a report.
Beams, a 20-year-old from Gold Coast, had a notable debut season last year, participating in 18 games.
McCarthy, also 20, was picked from the Dandenong Stingrays in 2007.
The tall midfielder-forward showed promise in the few games he played in 2008, but injuries hindered him last year.
This season, he has only played two games.
Following their premiership win, some Pies stars celebrated at Eve nightclub in South Melbourne on Saturday night, while other teammates, coaching staff, sponsors, and supporters convened for a private gathering at Tonic bar at Crown.
Buford Balony says: Move on, Eddie. You wouldn’t care if it involved any other club. Collingwood is just another club like the rest (with the exception of the mighty Wests Tigers, who reign supreme) and it’s about time you all dialed back your attitudes about everything. By the way, if Manchester United, Arsenal, Barcelona, etc., can have an away jersey, your little club can manage one too. Quite the inflated egos you have.