The Collingwood Football Club strongly condemns the disrespectful conduct of player Jordan De Goey shown in footage taken in Bali where he chose to spend the mid-season bye period.
Collingwood CEO Mark Anderson said the Club is extremely disappointed in Jordan’s behaviour which demonstrated disrespect towards women.
“Our club’s very strong position is that disrespect towards women, in any form, is never acceptable and we strongly condemn it,” Mr Anderson said.
“Jordan’s actions shown in the vision shared on social media are actions we do not accept as a football club, and we are extremely disappointed to see him put himself in this position.
“We have spoken to Jordan at length, and he understands the seriousness of the situation.”
Jordan is currently undergoing a counselling program which he began earlier this year together with the club psychologist to further continue his awareness of himself and improve his behaviours and decision-making off the football field.
In addition to that counselling program, Jordan will undertake further behavioural education for his conduct.
Jordan has also been given a sanction of $25,000 which is suspended until the end of the Club’s 2022 season to be of good behaviour until then.
“While we do not condone his conduct, we will continue to provide the professional and personal support that Jordan requires to ensure that he consistently lives and demonstrates the values that we expect at Collingwood,” Mr Anderson said.
“Finally, I would like to reiterate that our Club has very strong values, which include respect, tolerance, and a condemnation of irresponsible behaviour. We expect everyone at our club to uphold these values without compromise.”
Jordan De Goey has accepted responsibility and has apologised for his actions and the impact they have on the community.
“I unreservedly apologise to the Collingwood Football Club, its Members, supporters and the wider community for my conduct in Bali and I accept full responsibility for my actions,” De Goey said.
“The actions shown in the video footage are disrespectful and I accept that I have betrayed the trust the Club showed in me by allowing me to take my mid-season break overseas.
“I fully accept that as an AFL player, I have a unique leadership role in the community and with that role comes responsibility.
“My actions have fallen short of the standards expected of me as a person, as an AFL footballer and as a representative of the Collingwood Football Club.
“I had worked hard this year to establish trust and confidence in me to make better decisions and through no one’s fault but my own, I have undone that trust.
“Late last year, I was diagnosed with ADHD and I am trying to become more aware of why I make mistakes that I do. I have again made a mistake – this is an ongoing journey for me – and I remain absolutely committed to changing.
“I will be seeking further support to take the appropriate and necessary steps to learn and improve as a person.
“Again, I apologise for my disrespectful conduct. I understand that I have let many people down and that I have much work to do to again rebuild trust.
“I am committed to making myself the best person I can be and I believe that the best chance I have to do that is in an environment where I have the support of my teammates and the Club.”
