Respect for women is of 'highest priority' says Swans coach | ABC NEWS

Sydney Swans coach Dean Cox and captain Callum Mills have addressed reporters amid the scandal engulfing the club.

Five players — Isaac Heeney, Nick Blakey, Chad Warner, Riley Bice and James Jordon — have been stood down by the Swans for breaching the club's standards on drinking and staying out late following last Sunday's win over Essendon in Melbourne.

Police from Victoria's sexual crimes squad are investigating a report of sexual assault, which the ABC understands centres on a player allegedly touching one of the women without her consent. Police have not made any arrests or laid charges.

Both Cox and Mills refused to answer specific questions about the events that took place in the hotel room, saying they were the subject of a police investigation.

Cox was also pressed on the club's decision to have the five suspended players driven back to Sydney from Melbourne, rather than flown. He said: "Decisions were made [as to] how we best support our players within the circumstances that happened."

Cox admitted the club's previously acclaimed culture had "taken a hit" as a result of the scandal.


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