One of the AFL’s biggest stars has found himself in hot water after it was revealed several GWS Giants players are facing suspensions or hefty fines following a post-season fancy dress party.
News emerged on Tuesday that the AFL was conducting an investigation into the incident after an anonymous complaint was made about the ‘Wacky Wednesday’ themed party outfits and ‘troubled couples’.
The event took place in a private room in a pub and saw players from the team perform “distasteful skits” including an inflatable doll, according to The era.
It is understood that up to six players allegedly involved in the skits will face match penalties or fines.
The club’s internal investigation cleared the players of any illegal activity and players are reportedly filing complaints with the AFL today over their sanctions.
There is no allegation that the alleged conduct was criminal.
Nine News reporter Tom Morris also told SEN radio that a player had referred to disgraced rapper Sean Combs, also known as ‘P. Diddy’ during a skit and was ready for the ‘heaviest suspension.’
As many as six GWS players are facing fines and suspensions over what happened during the post-season function. Daily Mail Australia is not alleging that any of the stars in the above photo were involved in any wrongdoing
The AFL and the club conducted an investigation into the matter, but the investigation cleared the players of any illegal activity
Morris later added on X (formerly Twitter) that GWS captain Toby Greene faces a $20,000 fine. It is clear that he was not directly involved in the skits but had failed to show good leadership in the situation.
Morris wrote on X (formerly Twitter): ‘Some players have received significant fines, even though they were not directly involved in the skit.
“Captain Toby Greene is one of those, who has been sanctioned $20,000 primarily for failing to demonstrate adequate leadership in the situation.”
Seven News’ Mitch Cleary added that Greene “dressed as Olympic breakdancer RayGun,” but added that he was “not directly involved in the unsavory skits.”
After sharing captaincy duties with Stephen Coniglio and Josh Kelly in 2022, Green was announced as the club’s sole captain by Adam Kingsley in 2023, having played for the club for 13 seasons.
Mail Sport has contacted Greene and the Giants’ agents for comment. Gunn’s representatives were also contacted.
Another player is reportedly facing punishment after arriving at the event dressed as Aussie Olympic breakdancer Rachael ‘Raygun’ Gunn (pictured)
Captain Toby Greene allegedly dressed up as Raygun, but faces $20,000 fine for lack of leadership
Journalist Tom Morris claimed that up to six players allegedly involved in the skits were given penalties
Morris also claimed that Josh Faheywhose contract expired this season, is believed to be one of six players allegedly involved in the skits.
He added that Isaac Cumming and James Peatling would not be involved.
Morris added: ‘There is widespread surprise among players at the severity of the penalties and they are seeking to reduce them through their submissions. ‘
Coaches and staff were supposed to have been in the room earlier in the evening, but left before the offensive skits took place.
According to SEN journalist Sam Edmund, Some members of the team dressed up as former NRL player Jarryd Hayne and Australian NBA star Josh Giddey at the event.
He also revealed that players could be banned for up to six matches for the celebration.
“I suspect this will all come out in time,” Edmund wrote on X (formerly Twitter). But the GWS ‘celebrity couples’ gathering involved players dressed as Jarryd Hayne and Josh Giddey, among others.
Mitch Cleary stated that Greene was not “directly involved” in the skits and that players “have until tomorrow to respond to the sanctions”
Disgraced rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was reportedly the butt of a joke from a GWS Giants star who is now in hot water for his actions at the club’s Wacky Wednesday party
‘A blow-up doll and other props were used in skits. The AFL has invited submissions but has proposed a range of penalties, including a six-match ban and a range of different fines.”
Hayne recently returned to rugby league after the ex-Parramatta Eels star was released from prison after his rape conviction was quashed. The 36-year-old spent more than a year behind bars but was acquitted and currently works as a mentor for the Fiji Rugby League team.
NBA star Giddey was acquitted following a police investigation into whether he had an inappropriate relationship with an underage girl. The investigation found that the allegations against him were false, as the basketball star recently spoke openly about the mental challenges he has faced since then.
SEN reporter Sam Edmund also claimed that some players had dressed up as Jarryd Hayne
On Monday, Morris wrote about
“A few players have done a skit from a movie where a player who will be fined is considerably dressed as Rachael ‘Raygun’ Gunn.
“I can’t imagine that player getting a fine for dressing up as Raygun, but who knows what actions that player performed.”
American rapper Combs is currently in jail awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Morris added that the club learned of the scandal weeks ago, with some stars also finding out about it the weekend before the AFL Grand Final.
GWS Giants released a statement on Wednesday, writing: ‘The Giants confirmed yesterday that the club is aware of allegations of inappropriate behavior during the players’ end-of-season event last month.
Reports claim some GWS players dressed up as ex-NRL player Jarryd Hayne
The ex-Fiji player (pictured left in 2018) was recently appointed as a mentor for the Fiji rugby league team
It is reported that some GWS players also dressed up as NBA star Josh Giddey (pictured)
‘The club takes the matter very seriously and has acted quickly after receiving the concerns.
“All parties have cooperated fully with the AFL to ensure the allegations are fully investigated,” the statement said.
“Some of the allegations are distressing and completely contrary to the club’s values and policies.
“There is also a level of misinformation and rumors being spread that is completely inappropriate, especially while the investigation is ongoing.
‘The club will provide further comment once the results of the investigation are known.’
The AFL later added that their investigation is nearing completion.
“The AFL and GWS have initiated an investigation into the Giants players’ postseason event, which is in its final stages,” the league wrote.