After a lengthy investigation from the AFL's Integrity Unit, which spanned the last three weeks, it was found that second-year Port Adelaide player Sam Powell-Pepper had engaged in inappropriate behaviour at a nightclub. But despite the findings from the Integrity Unit, Powell-Pepper strongly argues that a sexual assault never took place in the early hours of Sunday, April 8.
The Power midfielder spoke to Channel Nine and was apologetic for the incidents that unfolded at the nightclub, including staying out past his club curfew, being intoxicated, and making a woman feel uncomfortable. "I've let my team and club down, so I can't be sorry enough," Powell-Pepper said on Channel Nine. "I've made her feel uncomfortable and I'm very sorry for that. "When those first claims (of sexual assault) were brought up, it really hit me hard because I'm not that type of person. "I've learnt quite a few lessons in a short amount of time." Powell-Pepper stated that scrutiny from the media has taken a toll on him, but was adamant that a sexual assault never took place throughout the night. "I don't recall parts of the night, I was pretty intoxicated," Powell-Pepper said. "There was no sexual assault. "The AFL and Port Adelaide did their investigation. "It took them a couple of weeks, but they didn't find any of that." The Port Adelaide Football Club, whom were unhappy with the way the investigation was handled by the AFL, have now threatened to take legal action against Channel Seven for their coverage on the incident involving Powell-Pepper. Power CEO Keith Thomas believed that Seven's broadcast has damaged Powell-Pepper's reputation. 'We believe that set the tone for the entire investigation," Thomas said on Thursday. "Having viewed the evidence, it way over-played the incident. "The investigation was immediately on the back foot, it was dealing with a public perception that was being created and not controlled. "A charge like that can leave a stain on someone's reputation and life forever. "We would reserve all our rights in this case. "We think this has been way over-played. "Channel 7 Adelaide set the tone for the investigation and we'll be discussing that with them." After the investigation by the Integity Unit had concluded, the AFL handed down a one-game suspension on top of the two matches Powell-Pepper has already missed. Port Adelaide's leadership group handed down a one-game ban after the nightclub incident occurred, where Powell-Pepper missed their round 4 loss to Essendon. In round 5, the midfielder decided not to play at senior level due to the media scrutiny, where he missed the loss to Geelong. However, Powell-Pepper did play in the SANFL against Sturt at Unley Oval, on Anzac Day.
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Power midfielder Sam Powell-Pepper has been dealt a one-match suspension from the Port Adelaide leadership group, after staying out past his curfew and excessively consuming alcohol during the early hours of last Sunday morning.
Despite the punishment from the club, the AFL is continuing to investigate an incident Powell-Pepper was allegedly involved in at the nightclub the midfielder attended last weekend. The Port Adelaide Football Club issued a statement last night which said that the leadership group had decided on a one-match suspension. "Port Adelaide midfielder Sam Powell-Pepper has received a one-game sanction imposed by the club's leadership group for breaking team rules last weekend," the statement read. "It has been established that Powell-Pepper was intoxicated and broke the playing group's time curfew on Sunday morning. "The sanction means Powell-Pepper will miss Port Adelaide's Round 4 clash with Essendon this Sunday at Etihad Stadium. "The AFL is is continuing its investigations into an alleged incident involving Powell-Pepper in an Adelaide bar last Sunday morning. "These investigations are ongoing and the club will be making no further comment until they are completed." Related news: Powell-Pepper allegedly involved in nightclub incident.
Port Adelaide and the AFL are investigating an incident involving second-year player Sam Powell-Pepper. The young midfielder allegedly sexually assaulted a woman at an Adelaide nightclub in the early hours of Sunday morning. But that isn't the only problem for Powell-Pepper, who has come under fire by the football club for staying out past his club curfew.
It was reported on Channel Seven that a woman spoke out about the Power star allegedly putting his hands up her skirt. Channel Seven also reported that Powell-Pepper would most likely be banned for this week's game against Essendon, but the club or leadership group has not handed down a punishment as of yet. The club issued a statement on Monday night, confirming that an investigation was underway, but advised the public that no further statements would be issued until they had all the information.
Port Adelaide chairman David Koch spoke on radio station FIVEaa on Tuesday morning, confirming that the player involved in the incident was Powell-Pepper.
"A complaint has been made about Sam's behaviour," Koch said. "We're obviously investigating it further at the moment and we should be able to have something further a bit later today." Koch then spoke about his disappointment in Powell-Pepper for staying out past his curfew. "We want to get all the facts. "The only fact that we do know, which is really disappointing and something the leadership group will be looking into, is the fact that he was out after curfew at a nightclub ... he broke that and that will be up for the leadership group to decide any sanctions." Port Adelaide's leadership group consists of Brad Ebert, Hamish Hartlett, Tom Jonas, Charlie Dixon, Tom Rockliff, captain Travis Boak, and vice-captain Ollie Wines. Powell-Pepper, who was pick No. 18 is the 2016 national draft, has played 25 games for Port Adelaide. |
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