Jordan De Goey has criticised the media for its “persecution of athletes”, as Collingwood investigate footage of of him partying in Bali.
Key points:
- Jordan De Goey says media ‘persecution’ of athletes will ‘end in tragedy’
- De Goey has been criticised by many for some of his actions while partying in Bali this week
- A woman also in footage of De Goey says there is ‘nothing to see here’
Social media footage of De Goey emerged showing the controversial Magpie in a club, dancing and making crude gestures on the Indonesian party island.
De Goey travelled to the island during Collingwood’s mid-season break.
“The Collingwood Football Club is aware of video footage involving player Jordan De Goey that was taken in Bali in recent days,” the Magpies said in a statement on Saturday.
“The club will comment further as soon as it is in a position to do so.”
De Goey released a short statement on Instagram thanking his family and friends for their support.
“I want to openly address the relentless pursuit and persecution of athletes by the media to create an uneducated, bias [sic] and ill-informed narrative that has gone too far,” De Goey said.
“I am one of the lucky ones with amazing support, however not all athletes are so lucky.
“This will end in tragedy if no one speaks up. It’s time for change. #enoughisenough”
A woman with De Goey in the social media footage defended the Magpie utility.
“I can’t believe the backlash towards Jordy and myself over here in Bali … Nothing to see here,” the woman posted on Instagram.
Collingwood last October stood down De Goey after the 26-year-old was arrested for a drunken incident at a New York nightclub.
De Goey and a friend were arrested at a Manhattan rooftop bar following an alleged brawl with other patrons.
In January, De Goey pleaded guilty to a charge of harassment at a hearing at the Manhattan Criminal Court and was ordered to complete 10 counselling sessions with a focus on anger management and alcohol treatment.
He was stood down by Collingwood during the legal process and returned to training in January.
De Goey falls off-contract with the Magpies at season’s end and was permitted by the club to travel to Bali during their 12-day mid-season bye.
But the move sparked outrage among AFL pundits, with Collingwood’s 1990 premiership captain Tony Shaw among them.
“He’s probably not a smart person … that’s twice now,” Shaw told Melbourne radio station 3AW.
“If I’m the football club, I would say, ‘do you understand what you have done?’.
“Even though you don’t know because you’re probably stupid and you don’t understand that this has been seen in the light it’s been in Melbourne.”
Retired St Kilda great Nick Riewoldt labelled De Goey selfish.
“You always get a pretty good indication of someone’s professionalism and how much they care about their career when you look at the choices they make,” Riewoldt told Fox Footy.
“Every player has the right to go abroad during the break.
“Unfortunately it seems to be a pretty regular theme for him that he prefers pampering over discipline from a football point of view.”
Former Essendon player Adam Ramanauskas gave an alternate view on ABC Sport, saying there is “no issue” with De Goey travelling to Bali.
“Let’s be honest, it’s a perfect storm for the media,” Ramanauskas said.
“Players are on a break, they can do what they like. I think potentially leave your phone in your hotel room and just be responsible.”
ABC/AAP
Source: AFL NEWS ABC
