Brooke Cotchin breaks her silence over COVID protocol breaches and Mitch Cleary being stood down
Brooke Cotchin has broken her silence over the COVID protocol breach and her role in journalist Mitch Cleary being stood down from his role at the AFL.
Richmond
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Brooke Cotchin has strongly supported suspended AFL website journalist Mitch Cleary after he named her on social media for breaching the AFL’s COVID-19 rules while in a Queensland hub.
Richmond was fined a hefty $45,000 ($25,000 suspended) after the wife of Richmond’s captain Trent Cotchin posted that she had visited a day spa.
She removed the post straight after being told she had breached existing rules.
Cleary named Brooke Cotchin on Friday night on Twitter when detailing the reasons for Richmond being fined.
His post was quickly removed on instruction from the AFL.
“I don’t know Mitch Cleary, but I do not agree with him being stood down and I have voiced that to the AFL,” Brooke said.
“It is his job and it does not help anyone’s situation especially in current circumstances. Unfortunately I had no input and it is something that is out of my control.”
Brooke spoke today (Monday) for the first time since the breach was reported.
“I am opening myself by sharing this post, but I am hoping this helps answer a few questions for people,” she wrote.
“I wish to apologise for the mistake I have made and I am deeply sorry for any angst that I have created for anyone.
“It was an honest mistake and one that I am incredibly remorseful for.
“I am the first to admit I am not perfect, and I do make mistakes, this being one that I need to own and learn from.
“Yes, we are currently living by AFL protocols while being tested twice a week. I had well and truly completed my two weeks’ quarantine when I attended a licensed medical facility for a treatment.
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“I would never have attended nor posted on my social media if I was clear this was not abiding by AFL protocol.
“We decided as a family to move into the hub so we could help the AFL push through with the remainder of the season.
“We are incredibly grateful to have this opportunity to be together through this time as I know many people do not have that choice.
“I thank you all for your comments and private messages, good and bad. I have read every single one of them.
“We have not publicised that we are paying the fine, as we did not think it was necessary.
“I am hoping that this post helps explain things and puts a few minds at peace knowing that this was my mistake, which I accept total responsibility for.
“I send all my love and strength to everyone back at home. We can only imagine the challenges that everybody is facing right now.”
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Originally published as Brooke Cotchin breaks her silence over COVID protocol breaches and Mitch Cleary being stood down