Perils of punting exposed

AFL sends a message with the toughest bets ban of all time

THE AFL yesterday slapped Collingwood forward Jaidyn Stephenson with the heaviest ban ever imposed on a player caught betting on football.

Stephenson, who self-reported on May 19, received a 22-game suspension, including 12 matches wholly suspended for the rest of his career, and a $20,000 fine.

AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon confirmed Rising Star Stephenson placed three losing bets on Collingwood games — totalling $36 — against Western Bulldogs (Round 4), Essendon (Round 6) and St Kilda (Round 9).

The multi-bet legs included Collingwood to win, Collingwood winning margin, Stephenson to kick a goal, Stephenson to kick multiple goals, Collingwood teammates to kick a goal, Collingwood teammates to kick multiple goals and Collingwood teammates to have more than a certain number of disposals.

“The investigation concluded there was no evidence to suggest there was any intent to influence the outcomes within the contest in relation to the bets,” Dillon said.

“There is no clearer instruction, AFL players, club and league officials are banned from betting on Australian rules football in any form.

“If you breach them you will be penalised. Jaidyn’s actions have compromised the integrity of the game.”

Stephenson placed one of the bets in question through a corporate bookmaker’s mobile app, and twice gave money to a friend to put the wagers on.

The AFL Players’ Association issued a statement yesterday offering Stephenson its “full support” during the “harsh” suspension and beyond. “Jaidyn has acknowledged that his decision to bet on AFL matches was a gross error of judgment, for which he has been sanctioned accordingly,” the AFLPA said.

The AFL pored over match vision and interviewed Collingwood players as part of its investigation.

Dillon said Stephenson’s age, his remorse and co-operation, the number of bets, and the fact he self-reported led to the partly suspended sentence.

“This is the toughest penalty we’ve had for a player under the wagering laws and we make no apologies for that,” Dillon said.

Dillon would not be drawn on whether the Integrity Unit is investigating other players or club officials in relation to gambling.

Melbourne forward Jake Melksham was fined $10,000 for misleading AFL investigators during a betting inquiry.

Collingwood midfielder Jack Crisp was fined $5000 in 2015 for a $129 multi he placed the year before, while Magpies premiership star Heath Shaw, the last player suspended for betting on an AFL match involving the Pies, missed eight matches in 2011.