AFL 2023: League open to hypocrisy criticism over lack of action against Tarryn Thomas

An anti-gambling advocate has hit out at the AFL for allowing North’s Tarryn Thomas to play on while the umpire accused of Brownlow betting breaches has been cast aside.

The AFL has been savaged for “hypocrisy” in “casting aside a young umpire” accused of Brownlow Medal leaks while taking no action against troubled North Melbourne star Tarryn Thomas.

Thomas, 22, was charged last week with a single count of threatening to distribute an intimate image following a three-month police investigation over a dispute with an ex-girlfriend.

The AFL integrity department has been aware of allegations made against Thomas since last July.

Umpire Michael Pell was forced out of the game in November for allegedly corrupting betting outcomes in the Brownlow vote count.

Gambling reform crusader the Reverand Tim Costello said he could see a case in supporting Thomas but also Pell, who has not been charged.

“It astonishes me that the AFL, through its clubs, throws up protective barriers for its players – their loyalty knows no bounds – and yet when it comes to an umpire, whom the AFL also has a duty of care, they throw him overboard at the first opportunity,” Rev Costello said.

Tarryn Thomas with new coach Alastair Clarkson at training last November. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

“And why is that? I think the AFL knows that they are responsible for the alleged integrity breach of the Brownlow Medal count.

“They allowed it to become a frenzied betting event – and are complicit in what has happened.

“There is a case for supporting Tarryn Thomas, I just want that to include umpires, even if the truth comes out about the AFL’s own conflicts of interest, which I think they are trying to hide.”

Rev Costello said rules that enabled gamblers to bet live during the Brownlow count – triggering an increase in turnover – had opened the door to potential Brownlow betting breaches.

“It is the AFL that chose to put the integrity of the Brownlow count at risk to duchess its biggest betting sponsors and ultimately to reward itself,” he said.

“It undermines its own rules and then cries wolf at an allegation of breach of integrity.”

Regarding the allegations levelled against Pell, Rev Costello said he had been “scapegoated so the AFL can shift the blame”.

Pell was one of four men arrested over suspicious betting activity involving matches he officiated and is accused of sharing information about secret Brownlow votes.

Michael Pell. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos

“If mates – enabled by the AFL’s greed – remember snatches of conversations and place bets, the AFL should not look shocked and cry innocent,” Rev Costello said.

“Umpires are not monks. They are mostly young men themselves and their whole generation are the primary target of the betting companies.

“A young umpire starting his career with a young family, who is yet to be charged, has been cast aside, losing his reputation and income, while a North Melbourne footballer is still on full pay and being supported by the league and his club.

“This all went down in November, presumably they’ve had his (Pell’s) mobile phone for months, and still there have been no charges – although it seems he’s already been tried and convicted in the AFL’s court of public opinion.”

A league spokesperson said on Tuesday: “After discussions with the AFL following his arrest by Victoria Police in relation to an investigation into suspicious betting activity on the Brownlow Medal, former umpire Michael Pell tendered his resignation in December and is no longer employed by the AFL.

“The AFL will continue to assist Victoria Police with their investigation.”

Thomas will face Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court on March 28.

The North Melbourne player was also stopped by police while driving with a suspended licence during the Christmas break.

Originally published as AFL 2023: League open to hypocrisy criticism over lack of action against Tarryn Thomas