‘Simply no excuse’: AFL slaps Suns rookie with betting on matches suspension
Gold Coast Suns youngster Rhys Nicholls will miss the start of the AFL season after he was caught out betting on matches in 2021.
AFL
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Gold Coast Suns youngster Rhys Nicholls has been suspended for two matches and fined $5,000 by the AFL for betting on matches in 2021.
The 19-year old, who’s yet to make his AFL debut, put on 10 separate bets totalling $256 including six Suns games.
All bets were unsuccessful and the AFL integrity unit concluded that there was no evidence to suggest intent to influence the outcome of matches in respect to the bets.
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“The AFL amended its rules relating to wagering in March 2020 to make it clear that Player and Officials would be held responsible for bets that are placed on accounts in their name,” AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon said in a statement.
“The AFL, AFLPA, and all clubs provide extensive education and counselling on all matters relating to gambling. There simply is no excuse - if you have a betting account it is your responsibility to ensure that it is not used for betting on AFL matches regardless of whether you place the bets or not.”
Nicholls will still be able to train with the Suns during his suspension, but won’t be available for AFL or VFL selection for the opening two rounds of the season.
“Rhys has cooperated fully with the investigation, put his hand up and understands the rules and why they are in place,” Suns general manager of football performance Wayne Campbell said in a statement.
“Rhys will prepare for the upcoming season and we as a football club will continue to support him moving forward.”
Nicholls was drafted by the Suns with Pick 40 in the 2020 Rookie Draft.
Originally published as ‘Simply no excuse’: AFL slaps Suns rookie with betting on matches suspension
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