The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS have announced sanctions against player Taylor Adams for his part in an incident outside a nightclub in Geelong in January.
Adams has been suspended for two AFL matches - one of which will be a suspended sentence - and fined the maximum five per cent of his base playing wage which equates to $3,477.
He will also undertake 10 weeks of community service in Western Sydney to develop a greater awareness of the impact of violence in the community. This program will be developed by Father Ed Dooley at the Holy Family parish at Mt Druitt.
Adams will also participate in an appropriate education course as recommended by the AFL or AFLPA. This will be approved and overseen by the AFL’s Cultural Strategy and Education Manager Sue Clark.
Adams, 18, was placed on a diversion program by the Geelong Magistrates Court this week after he accepted responsibility for recklessly causing injury and being part of an affray. No conviction was recorded and two assault charges were dropped.
GIANTS Chief Executive David Matthews said the club had consulted with the AFL and both parties believed this was an appropriate penalty.
"We take these matters extremely seriously and it is important as the AFL’s newest club that we send a strong message to our playing group and the wider community that we won't accept this type of behaviour," Matthew said.
"To his credit, Taylor has accepted responsibility for his actions and we believe he will learn from this and become an important part of our club for many years to come."
As part of his diversion program, Adams will make a payment of $1000 to the Geelong Magistrates Court fund and write letters of apology.
Adams, who was drafted by the GIANTS with selection 13 last November, apologised for his role in the incident.
"I am extremely sorry for what happened and very disappointed in my actions. Violence of any kind is unacceptable and I know I have done the wrong thing and will learn from this and become a better person," he said.
Adams will miss this Saturday’s Sydney Derby at ANZ Stadium. The suspended sentence may be activated by the club or the AFL in the event of Adams engaging in notifiable conduct until the end of 2013.
