Jack Crisp free to play against St Kilda after apologising for damaging social media scandal

Collingwood midfield star Jack Crisp has apologised for the damaging social media images of him which went viral last week as the AFL hands down its sanctions.

Caption: Collingwood’s Jack Crisp was embroiled in a pornographic video scandal five years ago that the club was made aware of.

Collingwood midfield star Jack Crisp has avoided sanction and is free to play in Sunday’s Gather Round clash with St Kilda in Adelaide after apologising for the damaging social media images of him which went viral last week.

Crisp, 29, spoke with AFL investigators on Tuesday morning and said he was deeply remorseful and embarrassed for his family.

The dual best and fairest winner has agreed to undergo counselling after the league factored in his good record since the images were sent five years ago.

“Last week I became aware that a video was being shared online containing private images which I had sent to another person in 2018,” Crisp said.

“I want to apologise for my actions and the impact they’ve had on my family and our club.

“Since that time, I have learnt a lot and grown as a person and I hope my family, those at Collingwood, and everyone connected to our club and the wider game, can see that growth. In saying that, I am still a work in progress and aim to continue to get better as a person.

Jack Crisp has met with the AFL damaging social media images over

Crisp thanked his wife, his two daughters and Collingwood for their support through a difficult time.

“I am incredibly fortunate to have the support of Collingwood, my wife Mikayla and my daughters — while I am disappointed in myself for those actions, the impact this has had on my wife and my family hurts the most and I apologise to them for that,” he said.

It means his unbroken run of 192 AFL games will continue against the Saints on Sunday.

Crisp appeared semi-naked in the video and there was also a reference to ‘lines” in the images which circulated a day before the Magpies’ loss to Brisbane Lions at the Gabba.

He could have been hit with one strike and a two-match ban if he had admitted to drug use, however the images did not show him taking any illicit substances.

The AFL investigation has also cleared him of drug use.

Collingwood football boss Graham Wright said he was “not 100 per cent sure” whether a reference to ”having some lines” in one of the leaked videos was discussed with the Collingwood midfielder.

But when asked if Crisp had admitted to taking drugs in the interview with the integrity unit, Wright said: “No”.

Collingwood’s Jack Crisp was embroiled in a video scandal five years ago that the club was made aware of.

“The interview was done with the AFL ... I wasn’t privy to that today, but they’ve determined that an apology was where it’s at,” Wright said.

“I spoke to (AFL officials) Tony Keane and Andrew Dillon (on Tuesday) afternoon and they were really comfortable with where it’s at.

“From our perspective we’ll support (Crisp) ... this was four or five years ago, it’s a historical video — he’s made significant steps in that period of time.”

AFL executive general manager football Andrew Dillon said the incident served as a warning to the players about appropriate behaviour online.

“While the content was produced a number of years ago, and Jack has shown significant improvement in his behaviour, the incident serves as a reminder to all players to understand the responsibility to themselves, their clubs and their professional careers,” Dillon said.

Wright was not specific about the education program Crisp would undertake at the AFL‘s direction, but said it would focus on the appropriate use of social media.

“Mainly around social media, he’ll take on significant education around that,” he said.

“We’re disappointed to be in a situation where we’re answering questions around players’ behaviour, but this is historic ... I would certainly hope (Crisp has changed). He’s a two-time best and fairest winner here, he’s been a real role model around the club. He’s made significant progress in his own life since that video was taken.”

There was a message in the viral images which said: “Come and drink and have some lines. Just have bit of party. Doesn’t have to lead to anything unless you want.”

Wright said: “Jack has fully cooperated with the club regarding the context around the series of images shown in that historical video.”

“As soon as we became aware of the vision being circulated, we connected with the AFL to ensure due diligence was taken in this situation. The AFL determined Jack’s conduct was inappropriate and has requested he take part in education around the appropriate use of social media, which the club supports.

“Jack has made significant steps since that time and he continues to grow and learn as a person.”

Crisp had a quiet game against the Lions last Thursday, gathering only 15 possessions after signing a bumper contract extension earlier this year.

He has the longest active game streak in the AFL with 192 games.

Late Melbourne legend Jim Stynes holds the record for 244 consecutive games played.

Originally published as Jack Crisp free to play against St Kilda after apologising for damaging social media scandal