Collingwood player Jaidyn Stephenson has expressed his remorse after he was found to have breached the AFL’s rules relating to betting on matches.
Stephenson was suspended for 22 matches with 12 suspended and also copped a $20,000 fine.
Stephenson placed three same game multi-bets in three separate matches this season in which he played. The bet stakes totalled $36.
The matches in question were against the Western Bulldogs in round four, Essendon in round six and St Kilda in round nine.
Earlier AFL General Counsel Andrew Dillon spoke about the suspension.
“We have very clear rules about betting on football. If you breach the regulations, you will be penalised. Jaidyn’s actions have compromised the integrity of the game. He knew the rules but chose not to adhere to them,” Mr Dillon said.
“Collingwood responded very quickly and appropriately when they were made aware of the issue and recognised the seriousness of the matter.” Mr Dillon said.
“Stephenson, his teammates and the club have all co-operated fully when interviewed and that along with the fact of self-reporting have led to a substantial proportion of the sanction being suspended.
“The AFL, AFLPA, and all clubs provide extensive education and counselling on all matters relating to gambling.
“There is no clearer instruction – AFL players, club and league officials are banned from betting on the Australian Rules Football in any form.”
Stephenson will still be allowed to train with Collingwood but won’t be able to play in their next 10 matches. He will not be able to play in Collingwood’s VFL team during this
RT
Roar Rookie
Collingwood never make a stand on anything like this.
RT
Roar Rookie
Try and look at it a bit deeper and you might understand my point. You don't have to agree but I am looking beyond the immediate impact to Collongwood.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Why trade him and make another side stronger?
anon
Roar Pro
Warne was paid to give a pitch report. If you believe that you'll believe anything. This is just some kid that's made a stupid decision. $36.
User
Roar Rookie
When you’re capable of an adult conversation that is coherent get back to me. Making no sense or talking nonsense doesn’t help you. It’s obviously beyond your ability to think that private apologies to the brayshaws which include Hamish at wce have happened and the public doesn’t need to be aware of them. Cheers though your outrage is palpable and a real ray of sunshine on this cold evening.
RT
Roar Rookie
I never said he would be traded, I said he deserves to be. Footy clubs aren't the best at putting principles above self interest, especially Collingwood. But he was probably just very tired when he made the bet.
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
Vardy-Likely to be ? You always want people turfed out, turf Vardy out Why didn't Vardy apologise to the family ? Cowardly act.
User
Roar Rookie
Gaff apologized, Simmo apologized, Vardy likely to be sanctioned for it. You get outraged way to easily like ppl who think Stephenson and gaff are comparable incidents. This is reminiscent of the woman's day magazine the royals are fighting again and Kate's dress was too expensive outrage that happens, quite sad fellas.
User
Roar Rookie
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User
Roar Rookie
Stupid comparison.
Jack
Guest
Gaff had about 8 seasons or more of flawless behaviour credits in the bank (he’d never been reported in any sport in his life before) and he didn’t intend to hit Brayshaw on the jaw but rather the upper chest, shoulder area. He missed out on a GF so the penalty was much higher than Stephenson who has 1.5 seasons of credits and will be back for finals this year.
Knoxy
Guest
I'm absolutely fuming. This is just what our season needs. How stupid do you have to be to do something like this nowadays? I know he's only one player and he will be back for finals, however, it's these sort of stupid decisions that can make the difference between winning and losing a premiership.
Bruce
Guest
Yep seems very harsh. AFL probably has to be seen to be cracking down very hard as sports betting is big business. What does the AFL care about some kid getting his jaw smashed in?
Chris
Guest
The penalty is not the real issue as far as Collingwood fans are concerned. The issue is when will out CLUB get a hold of these guys from the scruf of the neck and read them the RIOT ACT loud and clear! The problem is deifying average blokes and having them think they can walk on water. This is my issue and whether it is Stephenson or anybody else is totally irrelevant. Management needs to take a hard look at itself and put safeguards in place to avert these situations. As for these Eagles replicating broken jaw incidents, they are just ignorant yobos and nothing more than that. Pure scum!
Bruce
Guest
The young man is a big talent and seems to have a lot of character, no way I'd be getting rid of him.
Bruce
Guest
Penalty seems harsh to me. He owned up to it back in may, and it was only $36. Plus he wasn't throwing any results/efforts, all the bets were for a positive CFC result which is his job to effect.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
He won’t be traded.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Maybe Richie, just pondering it really.
RT
Roar Rookie
Warne was paid to give a pitch report. It was foolish because the bookmaker was probably testing him to see if he should try getting him for spot fixing next time. Stephenson put himself in a position where he could be compromised in his performance which could influence the outcome of a match.
RT
Roar Rookie
It is an irrelevant comparison. Apples and oranges.