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Brumbies chief executive Michael Jones has reportedly taken legal action against the Super Rugby franchise after the board’s decision to publicly stand him down on Monday.
According to reports by ABC Grandstand’s Tim Gavel and Chris Dutton from the Canberra Times, Jones has taken legal action to stop his unfair dismissal this afternoon at the ACT Supreme Court.
Jones stated that the board damaged his reputation by their actions, and that he had done nothing wrong.
More:
Brumbies stand down CEO, UC sues for defamation
Jones prides himself on his success of turning around the Brumbies’ financial situation since starting with the franchise in 2015 and believes the board’s decision was unwarranted.
His relationship with the board has been tarred in recent months after he forwarded documents onto the Australian Federal Police for investigation, which revolved around the club’s transactions between 2009 and 2013 during the sale of Brumbies HQ in Griffith.
Jones’ contract doesn’t expire until the end of 2017, leaving the board in a stalemate. Legal teams have reportedly met to discuss a possible mutual parting of ways, but no agreement has been made at this stage.
Jones was stood down following an extraordinary interview with Gavel on Saturday morning which was broadcast live to thousands of listeners in the Capital.
“I’m not going anywhere,” Jones stated.
“There are clearly issues from outside the organisation, and there are people having a hack at me.”
“Legally I don’t wish to impugn anybody, I don’t want to make enemies, and I haven’t named anybody and I haven’t made any accusations public,” he said.
“I’m being pushed pretty hard at the moment, so there’s always the straw that breaks the camel’s back.
“If I go to war it’s going to be ugly, and there’s going to be a lot of people who are going to get burnt by it.”
ARU boss Bill Pulver flew to Canberra on Monday to discuss the matters with Brumbies chairman Rob Kennedy informing the CEO of his decision hours later.
“It was with great regret that I informed Michael of the board’s decision,” Kennedy said in a statement.
“However, I believe this decision is in the best long-term interest of the Brumbies.”
Today Jones told Gavel that “he received significant support from the Brumbies major sponsors following his radio interview on Saturday.”
Suspended Brumbies CEO Michael Jones at the ACT Supreme Court .Speculation he may be seeking injunction against Brumbies.
— Tim Gavel (@TimGavel) March 22, 2016
General manager of Community Rugby Craig Leseberg, has been appointed as the interim CEO.
Whatever the case, things only seem to be getting uglier in this sitation.
UPDATE: It seems as though Jones has succeeded in securing an injunction against the Brumbies. Jones has told ABC’s Tim Gavel that he’s looking forward to getting to work.
Brumbies CEO Michael Jones says he is looking forward to heading back to work as soon as possible .
— Tim Gavel (@TimGavel) March 22, 2016
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.