Collingwood's $3.2 million move amid Jordan de Goey controversy
Collingwood have reportedly withdrawn a $3.2 million contract offer to Jordan de Goey in the wake of his Bali nightclub controversy.
De Goey, who is out of contract at the end of this season, has landed himself in hot water over social media videos of him partying in Bali during his mid-season break.
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Collingwood and the AFL are investigating footage that shows De Goey imitating a sex act and seemingly attempting to expose a female companion's breast.
According to The Age, the 26-year-old had a new two-year deal on the table at Collingwood, but it has now been withdrawn by the club.
Collingwood's Jordan De Goey has declared enough is enough when it comes to public scrutiny of AFL players, following intense criticism of his Bali trip.
The star Pie posting a scathing statement on social media a short time ago @bradeningram #9News pic.twitter.com/zvxNgZQGlm— 9News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) June 18, 2022
The deal was reportedly worth about $800,000 per season with a trigger for a further two years, but the Magpies are now said to be reassessing their options.
De Goey has since returned to Melbourne after spending his mid-season break in Bali, but was absent from Collingwood on Monday as teammates returned for training.
The 26-year-old is expected back at the club in the coming days.
De Goey, who was given permission by the club to travel to Bali, could be seen dancing and making crude gestures on the Indonesian party island.
It is unclear what punishment, if any, the club will hand De Goey for putting himself in that situation.
On Saturday afternoon, the woman seen in the videos with De Goey defended his actions.
“I can’t believe the backlash towards Jordy and myself over here in Bali … nothing to see here,” Remy Jackson wrote on social media.
De Goey also addressed the furore on Sunday morning, hitting out at the scrutiny placed upon him.
“I want to openly address the relentless pursuit and persecution of athletes by the media to create an uneducated, bias (sic) and ill-informed narrative that has gone too far," he wrote on social media.
“I am one of the lucky ones with amazing support, however not all athletes are so lucky.
“This will end in tragedy if no one speaks up. It’s time for change."
St Kilda legend's warning to club about Jordan de Goey
It also remains to be seen what effect the latest incident has on De Goey's value to rival clubs, with St Kilda most closely linked to the explosive midfielder-forward.
St Kilda legend Nick Riewoldt said his former club should consider De Goey but would have to weigh up whether the player can change his ways.
"It's something you can entertain as a football club because let's not forget, we are talking about a serious on-field talent," Riewoldt told Fox Footy.
"For a club like St Kilda, which has won one premiership, he's a difference-maker.
"But this is all if you have a level of confidence a level of contrition has been shown."
The latest incident comes after De Goey was stood down by Collingwood last October when he was arrested for a drunken incident at a New York nightclub.
De Goey and a friend were arrested at a Manhattan rooftop bar following an alleged brawl with other patrons.
De Goey pleaded guilty in January to a charge of harassment at a hearing at the Manhattan Criminal Court and was ordered to complete 10 counselling sessions with a focus on anger management and alcohol treatment.
He was stood down by Collingwood during the legal process and returned to training in January.
In 12 games for the Magpies this season, De Goey has averaged 21.5 disposals and a goal per game.
with AAP
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