AFLNT BOSS BREAKS HIS SILENCE
AFLNT chief executive Michael Solomon has spoken out over an alleged “inappropriate relationship” with a female AFLW player, telling the NT News in a short statement that the woman was a “close family friend”.
“There has been no breach of my responsibilities as CEO of the AFLNT,” he said.
“The person referred to is a friend of my family, and was a friend prior to any national football career, has looked after my children on a regular basis, and is still considered a close family friend.”
The NT News revealed yesterday that Mr Solomon had undergone counselling sessions in connection with the relationship.
He did not address the counselling sessions in his brief statement.
Sources with knowledge of the matter said the relationship with the AFLW Crows player had been ongoing over an extended period and had caused much discussion in football circles, including at the NT board level.
Mr Solomon had travelled from Darwin to be with the team at their Adelaide games during their premiership-winning season.
It’s understood AFLNT chairman Ross Coburn was also involved in some of the counselling sessions. He again did not offer comment yesterday.
An AFL spokesman would not reveal the extent of any possible investigation into the relationship but said there was no issue that required the league to take action.
A spokesman for the Adelaide Crows said they had determined that there was nothing to investigate or take action on from their end either.
The Solomon controversy comes in the same week two of the AFL’s top executives resigned over inappropriate workplace relationships.
AFL football operations manager Simon Lethlean and general manager of commercial operations Richard Simkiss resigned after being named in media reports.
It’s understood the AFL’s representative on the AFLNT board is aware of the matter.
The NT News has chosen not to name the AFLW player alleged to have been involved.