The Sydney Swans have axed Elijah Taylor as the young footballer awaits sentencing for the aggravated assault of his ex-girlfriend.
Taylor played four senior matches in his debut AFL season but was suspended in August for breaking strict quarantine protocols.
The 19-year-old was stood down from all football duties by the Swans in September after he was charged by police.
On September 30, Taylor pleaded guilty to unlawfully assaulting Lekahni Pearce and causing her bodily harm at a Perth hotel earlier that month.
The Swans consulted the AFL, AFL Players’ Association and Taylor’s management before making the decision to cut the player from their list.
Swans football manager Charlie Gardiner said in a statement on Monday the situation is “deeply regrettable”.
“Elijah has made some very poor decisions which have led us to this point, and he acknowledges that,” Gardiner said.
“This is certainly not a position we have arrived at lightly, however, Elijah’s actions could not be reconciled.
“It is obviously a sensitive situation and a legal process is still to play out, but in working with Elijah and his management, our collective view was that the right call for both Elijah and the club is to part ways.”
Taylor is due to appear in court again on December 2 for sentencing.
The Swans’ decision was backed by the AFL.
“The AFL supports the decision of the Sydney Swans to part ways with Elijah Taylor following discussions with the club, the AFLPA and the player’s management team,” the AFL said in a statement.
“There are ongoing legal proceedings that are still to be finalised and the AFL will await the outcome of the court process before considering the matter further and providing comment.”
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
Nothing like that, no. Actions have consequences and the AFL cannot be seen to condone domestic violence.
Nick
Roar Guru
Nope. He beat his missus. No excuse. Not now, not ever.
2dogz
Roar Rookie
I see your point in regards to being woken up like that. ( especially while intoxicated) I also don’t condone hitting women as you’ve stated.
clipper
Roar Rookie
Yes, there is no excuse - 2 wrongs don't make a right. The Swans have acted correctly and sent a message. If only other clubs / other codes would do likewise.
Kane
Roar Rookie
I didn't say it was ok for him to do what he did, I said I hoped she got charged with assault as well because without her belting him whilst he was asleep this probably would never had happened.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
he smashed a wine glass on his then-girlfriends face in 2008 in the united states as well
Brian
Guest
He struck her with a belt and punched her in the back of the head. Yes she woke him up but he hit her several times in the face. There is no excuse.
Brian
Guest
Depends what he did. If its on the mild side yes but if its serious he should never play again. Not everything can be redeemed, excused and forgiven. If he beat her he should never ever play again.
Brian
Guest
Taylor should be sacked and Carey shouldn't be on TV. The wrong decision on Carey doesn't excuse Taylor's behaviour.
RT
Roar Rookie
He admitted to repeatedly punching her and hitting her across the back of the head with a belt, according to the ABC news I saw last night. Sounds a bit beyond self defence to me.
Kane
Roar Rookie
Whilst I don't and will never condone hitting women i read today that he woke to this girl punching the crap out of him after they both went home together from the pub because she went through his phone whilst he was asleep and seen something that she didn't like, he retaliated by throwing one back which when you are woken in that sort of state it can be a reflex action. I just hope that she gets charged with assault as well.
2dogz
Roar Rookie
Now that will be an awesome slogan for the sponsors of the club that employs him ! Like Nike- Just Do It ! New sponsor- Just Don’t Do It!
Swanee
Roar Rookie
You've never done the wrong thing in your life? We are all a result of our upbringing, but nothing to stop us from changing that if he has the desire. He can learn from this and grow.
2dogz
Roar Rookie
Others should follow suit : : :stoked: thumbup:
pablocruz
Roar Rookie
The fairest and most well considered response put out there. Well done.
JB
Guest
This has been a very public fall from grace for Elijah. It also includes his family making a statement that 'this is not the way he was raised' and condemning his behaviour. In a few days he'll be sentenced and have to take his punishment. Personally I think that after all of this that he needs to decide what he wants to do with his future and whether or not football plays a part in it. But I still think he should be allowed the opportunity to redeem himself. If he's talented enough to attract the interest from an AFL club in a second tier competition in the future, I'd be surprised any would consider drafting him without tangible evidence that he'd shown remorse and made significant effort to change.
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
I wasn't aware of that. Not good form.
Pope Paul VII
Roar Rookie
Carey assaulted a woman in 1995, after the prelim loss.
Bludger
Guest
Good decision by the Swans. Unacceptable behaviour and if they kept him on people would be saying that they are playing racial favourites. Your problem is also if you cut other players who have been well behaved. Contrary to what some people say, it is not the clubs job to teach morals and what a 4 year old learns. That is what parents in childhood are for. Maybe this is not politically correct in today's blame someone else culture.
David Shilovsky
Expert
Yeah, that's why I qualified it by not disagreeing with the decision by the Swans. It's a serious crime, but should he be blacklisted by all AFL clubs for it? I guess we'll see what happens.