In relation to three offences, Collingwood player Heath Shaw has been suspended by the AFL for 14 matches, with six matches of this sanction suspended. Shaw was also fined $20,000. He will not be able to play at any level until the conclusion of round 24 of the 2011 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.
Collingwood player Nick Maxwell has been sanctioned $5000, with a further $5000 suspended for recklessly disclosing inside information, being information that he would start the match as a forward in the round nine match between Collingwood and the Adelaide Crows.
The club has supported the AFL in its enquiries and accepts without reservation the sanctions imposed on the two players.
Collingwood Football Club President, Eddie McGuire said: "I have long been a proponent that betting on football has the potential to destroy the game. We support the AFL unconditionally in any way that it is able to prevent and identify illegal betting .
"In Nick Maxwell’s case he had no knowledge of the allegations until contacted by the AFL. It is a lesson hard learnt that privileged information is exactly that, and every endeavour must be made even with the closest of family and friends to emphasise that such information cannot, under any circumstances, be used for betting.
"In relation to Heath Shaw, the club fully supports the sanctions leveled by the AFL and is bitterly disappointed that, despite extensive education, media discussion and the AFL rules, Shaw would choose to disregard them and in doing so place his career, the reputation of the football club and the potential success of his team at risk.
"Heath Shaw has let his club and himself down terribly. His one saving grace is that he has cooperated openly and willingly with the AFL.
"Let this be a lesson that regardless of the size of the wager, there is zero tolerance for AFL players and officials betting on football."
Collingwood captain Nick Maxwell said: “I take full responsibility for the fact that privileged information I gave to family members was used for the purposes of betting.
“It is my responsibility to ensure that information can never be used for the purposes of gambling.
“I apologise to the AFL and to the Collingwood Football Club for the hurt and embarrassment that my actions have caused, and accept the AFL sanctions unconditionally.”
Collingwood player Heath Shaw said: “I accept that I made some stupid decisions and I accept the penalties handed to me by the AFL.
“I would like to apologise to the AFL, to the football community and the members and supporters of the Collingwood Football Club for breaking the rules and tarnishing the image of the game.
“I would also like to apologise to the coaching staff and my team mates for letting them down.
“I take full responsibility for my actions and accept the subsequent consequences.”
