Four prominent Australian Football League (AFL) players who faced investigation over an alleged sexual assault at a Melbourne hotel earlier this year will not be charged, police have confirmed.
Following what authorities described as a “thorough investigation,” and acting on legal advice, Victoria Police said it would not pursue criminal charges, citing “insufficient evidence” in a statement released on Friday.
The players named in the case were Sydney Swans representatives Isaac Heeney, James Jordon, Chad Warner and Nick Blakey, the latter now with North Melbourne. All four were suspended for the remainder of the season over the incident in August.
The men had previously denied any wrongdoing, though they acknowledged breaching club standards by inviting women back to the hotel following a match and drinks.
According to Australian media reports, three women, believed to be adult entertainers, alleged inappropriate touching during the incident at the Pullman Hotel. The women are reportedly pursuing civil action.
“Due to the ongoing civil matter, Victoria Police is unable to make further comment,” the force said in its statement.
A fifth player, Riley Bice, who was also suspended by the club, had already been cleared by police.
Heeney welcomed the announcement, saying the previous three months had been “incredibly difficult for my family, [my fiancee] Steffie and those close to me.”
“To my family and friends, your love and loyalty has meant more than words can do justice,” he added.
