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I refer to recent media over the last few days (including print media, radio, podcasts, and National TV coverage) where some false narratives have been put forward regarding me with respect to the Kate Roffey text saga and the AFL meeting.
I have remained silent for months, despite being regularly sniped at since I decided to stand-down as President and therefore now find I have no alternative but to release the following statement:
On Sunday April 11, 2021, I announced my decision to step down as president of Melbourne Football Club.
Since that Sunday at the MCG, there have been numerous articles over a significant period of time that purported to publish the real reasons behind, and circumstances of my departure and related matters. This is in addition to numerous radio interviews, podcasts, and TV shows. Many of the publications contained false and damaging material and perpetuated false narratives.
I have never responded publicly to the errors and false narratives in the reporting, until now. The main reasons I have not responded publicly until now is because of my wish to protect the club including the coaches, the players and members and resolve the issues quietly behind the scenes. However, with my defamation proceedings becoming public and the comments that have followed I felt enough was enough and I need to put out this statement to make my position clear on particular matters that have been the subject of public comment.
The decision to step down when I did was mine. I did so to ensure minimal distraction, after a very promising and indeed historic start to the season.
As president, a Workplace/OHS Lawyer, and a parent, I was not willing to compromise on fundamental values, the law and expected standards of behaviour.
I believe that my approach and the raising of these issues resulted in a campaign against me from various quarters that was inimical with proper administrative governance and taking seriously important though delicate and sensitive matters. It also showed, in my view, a disregard for the health and well- being of both me and my partner and our professional and business interests.
Since March 2021, we have been subjected to threats, deceitful conduct, and a public campaign to discredit us professionally and personally.
I have also, as noted above and as has been reported, complained about, and had to take action in relation to what I claim to be false and defamatory publications about me. The hurt and distress and damage caused by these publications is aggravated by the fact that they are published on the internet and that previous articles are not only present and remain on the internet but are also hyperlinked to in later articles.
The cost has been great, in particular to our health. I communicated my concerns and requests to be left in peace and to be afforded the opportunity to leave the presidency and club with dignity to enjoy the season after eight years of leading a unified and collegiate board and club. Unfortunately, this was not forthcoming.
Having left the board last November 2021, threats towards myself and my partner were made even in February and March of this year. We have sought undertakings that the threats and contributions to defamatory publications stop – these undertakings have not been forthcoming.
The AFL have been briefed in relation to the above and are aware of the bullying conduct and threats made towards myself and my partner and the impact on our health and well-being.
Turning now to the publications that I consider defamatory and false
