Lyon stays quiet on settlement

FREMANTLE coach Ross Lyon insists the harmony and vibrancy within the team is good, despite the sexual harassment storm that engulfed him.

Lyon fronted the media yesterday and refused to confirm or deny whether he was the person at the centre of an alleged harassment claim that was settled last year.

The Age newspaper claimed Lyon allegedly made an inappropriate comment to a junior staff member several years ago at the club’s Christmas function.

It’s been reported the alleged victim had been paid a five-figure amount, as part of a settlement, and that a nondisclosure agreement had been signed.

Lyon refused to shed any light on the matter during his weekly media conference yesterday.

He deflected several wideranging questions about the harassment claims, including: WHY was there a financial aspect to the settlement if he didn’t do anything wrong? WHY wasn’t he admitting or denying it was him who allegedly harassed the woman? HAS the player group been made aware of more details of what happened? IS he concerned some parents might be worried about the club’s environment if their son or daughter is working there?

Lyon continually referred back to the AFL’s respect and responsibility policy, saying he wasn’t in a position to comment further.

He said it couldn’t be compared to the recent allegations that were made public against Port Adelaide player Sam Powell-Pepper, who copped a three-week ban for making “inappropriate contact with a female”.