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The AFL has banned five suspended Sydney Swans players to this year's Brownlow medal ceremony as the league delays the inquiry until police conclude the investigation.
Police investigation amid sexual assault claims
Several of the club's players, including Isaac Heeney, Nick Blakey, Chad Warner, Riley Bice and James Jordon, were investigated by Victoria Police due to an alleged sexual assault incident at a hotel last week where the team was staying after the win at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The AFL's chief executive breaks cover amid league scandal
On Monday, August 24, the AFL's chief executive, Andrew Dillon, faced the media for the first time since the players were suspended for the rest of the AFL season for breaching the Swans' standards, including drinking and bringing women back to their hotel.
Police are investigating the case separately. No one has been arrested or charged, and the five players have reportedly denied any criminal wrongdoing.
Dillon said the AFL "cannot get in the way of a police investigation".
"There's a police investigation going on now," Dillon said the launch of this year's AFL finals on Monday.
"Once that's complete, we'll conduct our own inquiries. But the AFL won't get involved while there's a police investigation under way."
The Brownlow medal ceremony is to be held on the Monday before the grand final, but given the players are under a club suspension until the end of the season, they will not be permitted to attend.
However, all five players are still eligible to win the award.
Fans walk out during the Sydney Swans game
Dillon's appearance came after Sunday's AFL-AFWL double-header at the SCG, which saw a number of fans walk out before the men's game began.
