Misuse of social media prompts Carlton to sack Josh Bootsma Jennifer Phelan
June 3, 2014 2:32 PM
CARLTON has sacked defender Josh Bootsma for repeated breaches of the club and AFL's codes of conduct, including inappropriate behaviour on social media.
The 21-year-old defender, who has played 14 senior games for the Blues, had his playing contract terminated on Tuesday after "a series of disciplinary issues".
The Blues said the issues involving the West Australian were "compounded" by revelations on Monday that he had engaged in inappropriate behaviour on social media.
The club then held discussions with Bootsma's management and the AFLPA.
Bootsma had been offered counselling and welfare support to help him work through his disciplinary issues but continued to fail to "adhere to the standards expected and required".
"The Carlton Football Club has high expectations of its players and staff; we expect them to uphold certain standards," Carlton's football operations manager Andrew McKay said.
"The club has attempted to offer Josh numerous forms of welfare and support in recent times, however he has continuously not lived up to the standards expected of a senior listed AFL player.
"This latest issue has left the club with no other choice but to take this course of action.
"Carlton players and staff receive education on both social media policy and AFL Code of Conduct on a regular basis."
Bootsma is the third player the Blues have lost in 2014, following the retirements of Nick Duigan and Heath Scotland. His axing comes at a testing time for the Blues, who sit 12th on the ladder with four wins from 10 games.
Shortly before the Blues announced Bootsma’s sacking, coach Mick Malthouse implored fans to stick by the club.
"It’s a testing time, we hope that you are all on board, please stick [by us] and we will do everything we possibly can,” Malthouse said in a weekly video to Carlton members.
Bootsma was taken with pick No.22 in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft.
The Blues tried to trade him at the end of last season but he remained at the club after he failed to attract interest in his home state.
The son of former Fremantle player Brad was contracted until the end of 2015 and was recruited from South Fremantle's WAFL Colts team.
The Blues will continue to offer counselling and welfare support to Bootsma in the immediate future.
McKay will address the media at 3.15pm AEST.
More to follow
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-06-03/blues-sack-bootsma
