‘Grubby’: AFL player caught in nude photo scandal speaks out

A footy player embroiled in the AFL’s nude photo leak scandal has spoken out as more details of the situation emerge.

Nude AFL photo art

Fans have been warned about sharing any images related to the AFL’s nude photo leak scandal that has rocked the sport.

The league was on Wednesday night plunged into disarray when it was revealed nude and graphic images of more than 45 past and present players have been illegally shared across social media.

A Google Drive link which contains folders of players, some of which are premiership winners and even Brownlow Medallists, have been circulating across social media and dating platforms, The Herald Sun first reported.

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The AFL has confirmed its Integrity Unit is investigating the matter.

Victoria Police has stated it is aware of the photo leak.

A spokesman from the eSafety Commissioner’s office has also told The Herald Sun the organisation is “aware of the situation”.

The report states that several clubs had contacted the AFL once the images began circulating.

The scandal has shocked the football community.

One of the players reportedly named in the shared folder has told The Herald Sun players involved are “really disappointed”.

The majority of images have not been verified.

“It’s a gross breach of privacy. It’s just not fair,” the player said.

Melbourne Demons legend Garry Lyon has also called for members of the public to take action.

“If it gets sent to you and you send it on, you are in big, big strife and you may go to jail,” Lyon said on SEN Breakfast.

“My message would be this… if you get it, you forward it on at your peril. Because you’re then disseminating photos that have been illegally obtained and then you’re as liable as the person that started it. I’m being serious here, that’s big trouble.”

Brownlow Medallist Jimmy Bartel also slammed those involved in the alleged theft.

“It’s gross – a majority of images are fake, made up, staged,” he said on 3AW Breakfast.

“It’s someone grubby who will hopefully get caught.

“This is a criminal matter now.”

A shot of the file that has been shared online. Photo: Supplied.

The AFL released a statement, announcing the league has offered welfare support to any players caught up in the situation.

“The AFL has been made aware of private and personal images of past and present AFL players being distributed and shared illegally and without consent after being contacted by a number of AFL clubs,” a league spokesman said.

“The images have been circulated by an anonymous person/s and it is alleged the files feature private and personal images of past and present AFL players however it is important to note that many of the images are yet to be verified for identification.

“There appears to have been significant work involved in gathering the images and creating files for distribution.

“The AFL has no information regarding why the personal images have been circulated illegally and without consent or what the motive is in doing so.”

The AFL (CEO Gillon McLachlan pictured) is investigating a massive leak of nude images of more than 45 past and present players (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

The AFL had reportedly been working with the eSafety Commissioner for the past 15 hours to remove the images from social media.

“While the AFL understands there may be great interest in this update, it wishes to reinforce the images have been shared illegally and without consent,” the AFL spokesman said.

“The AFL asks everyone to please respect the rights and privacy of those past and present players who have had personal images illegally shared without their consent or approval.

“AFLIU has contacted the eSafety Commissioner and is working closely with eSafety to have the images removed as soon as possible.

“The AFL has also made the relevant law enforcement agencies aware of the situation.”

Victoria Police said the force was aware of the images.

“Victoria Police is aware of explicit images being circulated online of athletes,” a statement said.