AFL: Crows Brad Crouch and Tyson Stengle allegedly caught by police with an illicit substance

Adelaide players Brad Crouch and Tyson Stengle are under investigation after allegedly being caught by police with an illicit substance.

Brad Crouch has allegedly been caught by police with an illicit substance. Picture: Sarah Reed

Adelaide players Brad Crouch and Tyson Stengle are under investigation after allegedly being caught by police with an illicit substance.

The pair were stopped by police in the early hours of Monday morning and allegedly caught in the possession of an illicit substance in the city precinct.

Neither player will be charged and instead the police have referred them to a counselling process.

Crouch, 26, is a free agent and has declared his intentions to leave the Crows. He was set to resume talks with the club this week and this incident could scare off suitors.

Stengle, 21, is in just his third year at the Crows, and also involved in a drink driving incident earlier this season.

He was allegedly caught drink driving in an unregistered car while disqualified.

The pair are both likely to receive a strike under the AFL’s drugs code.

In a statement released by their management Crouch and Stengle both said they would “unconditionally accept responsibility”.

“ We accept that our error of judgment is not in-line with community expectations nor the high standards we set for ourselves,” the statement said.

“In this regard, we are committed to the counselling process that SA Police has implemented to manage this and will continue to co-operate with our club as required.

“We will be making no further comments until any club process is concluded.”

Crows head of football Adam Kelly said the club was extremely disappointed in what was clearly a significant breach of community standards.

“First and foremost, the alleged conduct is serious and we will continue to ask questions and make sure we have all of the facts before settling on a definitive position going forward,“ Kelly said.

“The club will also liaise closely with the AFL and AFL Players Association during this process, including working through any consequences under the AFL’s illicit drug policy.

Tyson Stengle is in allegedly in trouble again (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

“What is absolutely clear is that all players across the league are well educated about drug use and relevant policies.”

The Club is investigating an incident involving two of its players from the early hours of this morning.

— Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) September 28, 2020

The Crows finished last on the AFL table this season with just three wins

Kelly said the club would ensure both players received the necessary support.

“As an organisation, we take a very strong stance against any behaviour of this kind,” he said.

“The wellbeing of Brad and Tyson is also paramount and we will make sure they receive appropriate support,” he said.