Victoria Police dropped all charges against four Australian Football League players investigated over an August incident at a Melbourne hotel, according to BBC News.
Authorities confirmed that criminal charges would not proceed due to insufficient evidence after a thorough investigation and legal advice. The investigation stemmed from a complaint by women at the Pullman Hotel in August. Three women understood to be adult entertainers alleged inappropriate touching and are looking into civil action. Victoria Police said they are unable to make further comment because of the ongoing civil matter.
Isaac Heeney, James Jordon, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey—who now plays for North Melbourne—and Riley Bice were initially suspended by the club. The players previously denied wrongdoing and apologized for breaching club standards by drinking, staying out late, and inviting women back to the hotel after a Sunday game when a commercial flight could not return the squad to Sydney before an airport curfew.
Riley Bice was cleared earlier by police, while the four other men faced months of professional fallout. Isaac Heeney said the preceding three months had been difficult for his family, his fiancée Steffie, and those close to him. He expressed gratitude to his family and friends, saying that their love and loyalty meant more than words could do justice.
