Western Bulldogs star Bailey Smith has been given a two-week ban by the AFL for conduct unbecoming

The AFL has concluded it’s investigation in to Western Bulldogs star Bailey Smith and the use of an illicit substance.

Western Bulldogs star Bailey Smith has been given a two-week suspension for conduct unbecoming after an AFL investigation in to using an illicit substance in 2021.

The AFL confirmed the ban in a statement on Thursday which means Smith won’t play until at least round 18 as he is currently serving a two-match suspension for headbutting Geelong’s Zach Tuohy.

Smith was also given a strike under the AFL’s illicit drugs policy.

“The AFL confirms Western Bulldogs player Bailey Smith has been found guilty of conduct unbecoming and has been suspended for two matches,” the league statement said.

“Content recently emerged on social media platforms, showing Smith using an illicit substance.

“The AFL interviewed Smith this week who admitted to illicit substance use in late 2021.

“The AFL found that Smith committed a breach of AFL Rule 2.3(a), which states; A Person must not engage in conduct which is unbecoming or likely to prejudice the interests or reputation of the AFL or to bring the game of football into disrepute.

“Smith’s two match ban will commence after his current suspension for on-field conduct in Round 12 is served (by missing Rounds 14 and 15 following Western Bulldogs’ bye in Round 13), meaning he will be unavailable for the Bulldogs’ Round 16 and Round 17 games (and he will not be permitted to play VFL matches during that suspension). His conduct also constitutes a notifiable adverse finding under the AFL’s Illicit Drugs Policy.

“The AFL wishes to reiterate that AFL Players are well-educated when it comes to the harms associated with the use of illicit substances, and have a responsibility to themselves, their clubs and their professional careers to uphold community expectations.”

The league‘s integrity investigators met with Smith on Tuesday to question him about a photo where the Dogs star held a bag of white powder.

Western Bulldogs player Bailey Smith talks after white powder scandal. Picture : Nicki Connolly

Smith was prepared to make a full admission to investigators that he used cocaine and was the person in the video sniffing a substance then wiping his nose when he spoke to them.

The 21-year-old also apologised earlier this week and took full responsibility for his actions in Queensland in a period from October-December in 2021.

“I have recently been made aware of the presence of social media content that shows me with an illicit substance,” Smith said in a statement on Saturday.

“In confronting this, the temptation is to speak in vague generalities and avoid the issue. However, I am determined to learn the lessons of my past and be a better person in the future.

“After much reflection, I am now in a position to confess to indulging in behaviours in late 2021 of which I am deeply ashamed.

“I do not have an excuse for those behaviours, however the state of my mental health over that period post-grand final dramatically deteriorated, and I spiralled out of control leading to poor decision-making and actions at the time.”