Essendon today expressed extreme disappointment that one of its players, 19-year-old Michael Hurley, was involved in an incident early this morning.
Hurley was taken into police custody after allegedly assaulting a taxi driver. He has not been charged.
Essendon managing director Peter Jackson said the details of the incident are still being investigated. He confirmed the club had spoken to Hurley and Victoria Police about the incident.
“We are extremely disappointed that Michael was out so late and that he put himself in a situation where an incident occurred,” Mr Jackson said.
“He started drinking at the Grand Final Footy Show after-party and by night’s end he had clearly had too much to drink.
“As a club we work with our players to help them make good choices - and the vast majority do - so it is disappointing and unacceptable that this situation has occurred.
“We also run a number of community programs where our players work with young people to educate them about the dangers associated with binge drinking.
“We are treating the matter very seriously and will take appropriate action once the details are clear. The club will continue speaking with Michael and he will assist police anyway he can.”
Jackson said he understands the interest from the public and media but, as the matter is being investigated by Victoria Police, the club is not in a position to make any further comment.
