AFL executives Simon Lethlean and Richard Simkiss apologise for scandal

UPDATE: FORMER AFL executives Simon Lethlean and Richard Simkiss have released separate statements, offering their first public comments on the scandals that have forced their resignation.

Simon Lethlean has released a statement apologising for his conduct. Picture: Michael Dodge, Getty Images.

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UPDATE: FORMER senior AFL executives Simon Lethlean and Richard Simkiss have both apologised for scandals that has forced their resignation.

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan announced the departure of Lethlean and Simkiss at an AFL House press conference following the revelation of their inappropriate relationships with young women in the footy industry.

“I have accepted their resignations. They are separate matters and distressing to a number of people,” McLachlan said at a press conference at AFL House.

In separate statements released shortly after the announcement, Lethlean apologised for the relationship that “should never have happened” while Simkiss said sorry for a “serious lapse of judgement”.

“I today tendered my resignation to Gillon McLachlan and the AFL Commission,” Lethlean said.

“My resignation follows a wrong decision I made to have an inappropriate relationship with a female employee of the AFL. It is an action for which I am truly sorry for the hurt I have caused.

“The relationship should never have happened. As a husband and a leader of this organisation it is up to me to set the example. What I did was wrong.”

RITA PANAHI: ROTTEN AFL CULTURE EXPOSED BY WORKPLACE AFFAIRS

Gillon McLachlan announced the resignation of Simon Lethlean and Richard Simkiss at AFL House. Picture: David Caird

“I failed my wife, my family, my friends, my organisation and football by making the decision I have. I have hurt the people who are most important in my life and who I love.

“They have done nothing to deserve this. I am deeply sorry for all the hurt and embarrassment I have caused.

“My priority now is to do everything I can to repair the damage and hurt I have caused my wife and my family and I cannot do this while working in this public role. Regaining the trust and love of my wife and my family will be my total focus.

“I accept the consequences of my action and the need to step aside from the role and want to apologise to the AFL, the Commission, the Clubs, the AFL’s partners and all involved in the game.

In his statement, Richard Simkiss asked for privacy to “focus on earning back the respect” of his family.

“I have apologised to Gillon and to my colleagues for a serious lapse of judgement that has hurt many people, including my family.

“My actions did not live up to the values of the AFL and is something I am truly sorry for.

I know that I have let people down. Our industry is on a journey of change, and I can’t let my actions halt or damage that journey.

“It has been a privilege working for the game, and I have had the opportunity to work with many great people across both AFL clubs and partners.

“I have taken responsibility for my actions at work, and ask for privacy to take the time to focus on earning back the respect of my family, to whom I owe everything.

“I hope that, in time, my work for the AFL in delivering commercial strength to the game for the benefit of fans, clubs and corporate partners will be remembered.”

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HOW THE HERALD SUN BROKE THE STORY

July 9: AFL SENIOR MANAGER HAD AFFAIR WITH YOUNG EMPLOYE E

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AFL executive Richard Simkiss has resigned. Picture: LinkedIn

Simon Lethlean has apologised for his “inappropriate relationship” with an AFL employee. Picture: Justine Walker, AFL Media)

The scandal comes in a torrid fortnight for the AFL, in which diversity manager Ali Fahour resigned following his 14-match ban for striking during a local football match.

Despite the developments, McLachlan praised the culture at AFL House during his press conference.

“I am proud of our team and culture, and have been extremely disappointed in the last week, but this organisation and the men have taken responsibility and been accountable.”

“People make mistakes and what defines an organisation is how we respond rather than the issues themselves.”

In January 2016, McLachlan appointed Kate Jenkins, Sex Discrimination Com­missioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission, to oversee a review of the AFL respect and responsibility policy.

McLachlan said then: “We understand our responsibilities to continue to improve our approach to these issues, and I know we still have work to do to hold the respect and trust of the community.”

“We want to continue to change the culture of our game.”