AFL 2020: Port Adelaide stars suspended for COVID breach
Two “embarrassed” Port Adelaide stars have been whacked with suspensions following an AFL investigation into their house guests.
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Two more AFL players are in hot water with an AFL investigation finding two Port Adelaide stars have breached the league’s COVID-19 protocols.
The AFL has confirmed widespread reports Dan Houston and Peter Ladhams were investigated after they were alleged to have entertained visitors at Ladhams’ home after the Power’s round 10 win against the Western Bulldogs on August 3.
Houston and Ladhams played in both of Port’s games against Richmond and Geelong since that date.
The pair were reportedly absent from training today and are expected to miss the Power’s game against Hawthorn on Saturday afternoon.
The AFL announced on Thursday evening Ladhams has been suspended for the next three games while Houston has been suspended for two games.
Port Adelaide has also been hit with a $50,000 fine with $25,000 suspended, pending any further breaches.
Ladhams and Crows player Billy Frampton live to gether in Adelaide, but the AFL has announced no action will be taken against the Adelaide player after the investigation found he was not involved and did not come into contact with the house guests reportedly entertained by Ladhams.
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Port Adelaide confirmed in a statement the club would not fight the penalties handed down.
Port Adelaide head of football Chris Davies said in a Thursday press conference it was “idiotic” from Houston and Ladhams.
“There is no other way to say it other than the players are abundantly clear of the rules that are in place, as are our coaching staff and everyone who is needing to live by the protocols at the moment,” he said.
“The fact that this breach has occurred and looks to be a wilful breach is bitterly disappointing and the players who were involved – both Peter and Dan – need to take responsibility for that.
“(They’ve) wasted a whole heap of people’s time and resource that should be going into other areas in order to keep the game going, rather than having to make punitive measures for idiotic behaviour.”
Davies said in an earlier statement: “As a club, we respect the privilege we have to play and the conditions under which we must live in order to play.
“We have provided our players, coaches and staff with regular updates and education on the AFL return to play protocols, so to find ourselves in this position is disappointing.
“Port Adelaide has taken our responsibilities toward the global pandemic seriously since the outset, but ultimately everyone has a responsibility.
“Pete and Dan knew the rules and will now have to work hard to earn back the respect of their teammates and coaching staff.
“The AFL considered Pete’s breach to be worth extra on the basis that he was the instigator of the gathering.
“As a club, code and as a community we have to remain vigilant and disciplined against the spread of COVID-19. There is absolutely no room for complacency.”
Ladhams said he had to work his “backside off” to make it up to his teammates, club and the league.
“I’m very embarrassed to put the club and my teammates in this position. There was no excuse for my complacency and I fully accept the sanction handed down by the AFL,” Ladhams said.
“The club has gone out of their way to brief us on all processes related to the AFL return to play protocols. I now have to work my backside off to win back the respect of my teammates.”
Houston was equally remorseful.
“Our entire club has worked so hard this season with all the challenges that have come our way and I feel like I have let the boys down with this breach,” Houston said.
“I take responsibility for my own actions so I fully accept the sanctions handed down by the AFL. I am disappointed but I will learn from my error in judgment.”
AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon said: “Peter and Dan know the rules and it is disappointing that they chose not to follow them.
“The protocols are in place for a reason, to protect the players and the wider community. If you make the decision to breach them, then you will be held accountable.”
Houston has been a regular in Port’s lineup since late 2017, while Ladhams is just emerging after 11 games.
Port has already had one of its players suspended for a breach this season when Ollie Wines conducted an interview with a TV crew at his home.
Port Adelaide star Tom Rockliff confirmed Houston and Ladhams did not train with the team on Wednesday.
“We were made aware late last night or even early this morning as a group that there was a potential breach and that’s being investigated, so I don’t really know any of the details, we’ve got a day off today (Thursday),” Rockliff said on SEN Radio.
“So, I can’t really comment on that because I don’t know anything about it until we find out the information and the AFL do their investigation. There’s not much I can really say.”
South Australians are allowed to have groups of 10 guests in their homes but the rules are different for AFL players who are banned from inviting visitors around.
Sydney became the 13th club to commit a COVID-19 breach when youngster Elijah Taylor invited his girlfriend into the Swans’ Perth isolation bubble.
Originally published as AFL 2020: Port Adelaide stars suspended for COVID breach