Brendan Fevola accused of sexually assaulting female Herald Sun journalist at the Brownlow Medal count * Fiona Hudson
* From: Herald Sun
* October 09, 2009 3:25PMAFL bosses say they are taking seriously allegations new Brisbane Lions forward Brendan Fevola sexually assaulted a Herald Sun journalist on Brownlow Medal night.
League operations manager Adrian Anderson said the journalist had not made an official complaint but the AFL would act quickly if she did.
“We have provided support and indicated we are ready willing and able to act as soon as she would like to talk to us,'' Mr Anderson said.
“We have got a respect and responsibility policy that has been in place now for five years now and any contraventions of that policy will be viewed very seriously by the AFL.
“We have spoken to the employer of the woman involved, we have provided her support and access to counselling and we have also made it clear that the AFL is ready to act on any breach of what we expect of our players to behave towards woman.''
Fevola - whose trade deal went through just hours ago - is alleged to have assaulted the journalist during a boozy rampage at Crown Casino.
3AW radio presenter Neil Mitchell today aired details of the September 21 assault by the 2009 Coleman medallist.
Mitchell reported several sources had told him Fevola harassed and intimidated the Herald Sun reporter on Brownlow night.
"I have been told by several sources that he followed her (to) the toilets at Crown [and] physically intimidated her,” Mitchell said.
"One of the reports says … (he was) sort of grabbing at her.
"It was certainly of a sexual nature."
Mitchell said both the Carlton Football Club and the AFL were aware of the allegations, but the journalist in question had not filed an official complaint to the police or the league.
A Victorian rumour website has also posted details of Fevola's alleged indiscretions.
Herald & Weekly Times editor in chief Phil Gardner today said the Herald Sun’s primary concern was for the health and wellbeing of the journalist.
“Our reporter was attending the Brownlow as a representative of the Herald Sun in a working capacity,” he said.
“In accordance with our strong workplace policies and practices, the Herald Sun has provided a wide range of support and services to our reporter. And we will continue to provide this support.
“Herald Sun management has kept the AFL and other relevant parties regularly updated since the incident.”
Fevola's antics on Brownlow night triggered Carlton’s shock decision to offer him up for trade.
In a statement today, Blues president Stephen Kernahan said he hoped Fevola’s move to Brisbane would provide an opportunity for him to continue his career in a new environment.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/brendan-fevola-accused-of-sexually-assaulting-female-herald-sun-journalist-at-the-brownlow-medal-count/story-e6frf7jo-1225785069968