Troubled Brisbane Lions full forward Brendan Fevola may have played his last AFL game after the club today suspended him indefinitely for suspected indecent exposure.
Chief executive Michael Bowers said the club had received a complaint from a man about inappropriate behaviour towards his wife when they and two of their children were at a "non-club function" with Fevola and several other Lions players.
Controversial Brisbane Lions full forward Brendan Fevola is facing the sack after his club received a complaint from a member of the public about "improper conduct" at a non-club function on the weekend.
The Age believes Fevola exposed himself to a woman.
Lions chief executive Michael Bowers and new chairman Angus Johnson will hold a media conference at the Gabba today to reveal Fevola’s fate.
LIVE AUDIO: Listen to the press conference live at 3.30pm.
Club chiefs reportedly called Fevola in this morning to hear his side of the story. They were reported to be initially wary because he has been the subject of previous unfounded allegations.
Fevola, 29, has also been the subject of genuine controversies, including his drunken antics at the 2009 Brownlow Medal, which led to his sacking by Carlton.
Brisbane, under salary cap pressure, is believed to be paying Fevola more than $700,000 a year.
Soon after joining Brisbane, Fevola was accused of circulating a nude photo of former lover Lara Bingle, but the club stood by him when no proof could be found of any wrongdoing on his behalf.
Fevola then announced he had gambling problems.
Later in 2009, after suffering a season-ending groin injury, Brisbane urged Fevola to stay in Brisbane for extended treatment. Fevola wanted to stay in Melbourne to be with his wife, Alex, and their children. The pair have since split.
He was criticised last month after being seen entering a Melbourne nightclub at 7am.
In a statement, the Brisbane Lions said today:
The Brisbane Lions AFC today suspended forward Brendon Fevola indefinitely pending an investigation by the AFL.
The Club was advised of an incident alleging inappropriate behaviour including alleged indecent exposure involving Fevola at a non-Club function last weekend.
Lions Chief Executive Michael Bowers said a man had rung the Club to complain about Fevola’s inappropriate behaviour towards his wife when the couple and two of their four children were at a non-Club function where Fevola and several other Lions players were in attendance.
Mr Bowers said the Club spoke with the man and then immediately alerted the AFL who began an investigation into the incident. After speaking with AFL investigators the family also approached Queensland police.
“Respect and responsibility towards women is something that this Club thinks is non-negotiable. We feel that the allegation is a very serious one and we think if the behaviour is as described, then it's unacceptable behaviour for anyone in football," Mr Bowers said.
“While everyone is entitled to the presumption of innocence, the Brisbane Lions Football Club wants to make clear it is taking this incident seriously and feels the only proper course of action is to suspend Brendan immediately from all Club activity until such time as the AFL and police have had an opportunity to investigate the matter further."
“The Club will continue to cooperate fully with the AFL and any Queensland police investigation."
“As a result of the suspension, Brendan will not be attending our Club Champion event tomorrow night.”
Email a friend