AFL defends handling of Ross Lyon harassment case

AFL defends handling of sexual harassment case involving Dockers coach Ross Lyon as reports of ‘secret payments’ emerge.

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon.

The AFL has defended its handling of a sexual harassment case involving Fremantle coach Ross Lyon, whose name became public yesterday after months of speculation on the matter.

A former female Dockers employee is alleged to have received secret payments after Lyon made inappropriate remarks to her at a Christmas function several years ago.

An internal investigation was carried out after Lyon alerted the club to the incident and he was exonerated.

It has been reported that the staff member, who has not worked since leaving Fremantle, received a five-figure payment to settle a complaint of harassment made to Workcover last year.

Negotiations surrounding the matter, which included a non-disclosure agreement, were resolved before Christmas.

Both the Dockers and the AFL had previously released statements expressing satisfaction with how a complaint involving a Fremantle official had been handled.

Amid queries as to whether settling complaints via the payment of money is appropriate, the AFL said it fell under guidelines associated with its much-trumpeted Respect and Responsibility Policy.

“The AFL integrity unit investigated the matter in accordance with the league’s Respect and Responsibility Policy,” the statement read. “The matter was resolved following an investigation, which ensured privacy and care and provided full transparency for all relevant parties.

“The AFL’s Respect and Responsibility Policy clearly outlines a process that is thorough and fair, complainant centred, has integrity and protects the privacy of all concerned.”