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Fev gets off photo scandal

By Mr Dandalooa

“All AFL players and officials should be aware that taking and distributing private images without consent is unacceptable and can result in sanctions under the AFL player rules.”

That’s the message from AFL football operations general manager Adrian Anderson who today announced that Brisbane Lions forward Brendan Fevola has escaped punishment over his involvement in the Lara Bingle nude photo affair.

FootyGoss has learned that the AFL concluded there was insufficient evidence to establish guilt and would not take the matter further.

Reports today said while Fev admitted taking the photograph, which launched a massive media frenzy and caused the break-up of Bingle’s engagement to cricketer Michael Clarke, it could not be proved that he had distributed it to other players.

Anderson said given the evidence available to the AFL and the time that had elapsed since the alleged behaviour occurred, the AFL has not established that a breach of the rules occurred.

“However, we will continue to monitor whether there are legal proceedings arising from this matter and the AFL remains willing to speak with Ms Bingle,” he said.

Fevola, who disgraced himself at last year’s Brownlow medal night, was interviewed several times as part of the investigation.

Bingle, through her lawyers, has refused to speak directly with the AFL but provided a statutory declaration although nothing has come of it.

AFL manager of integrity services, Brett Clothier, spearheaded the investigation that followed claims Big Bad Fev took a nude photo of Bingle in a shower during their brief afffair in 2006 and distributed it to other AFL players.

Anderson said the AFL did not condone any behaviour which showed a lack of respect of women.