‘Extremely disappointed’: Cox breaks silence as police release update on Swans investigation

Sydney coach Dean Cox has spoken publicly for the first time since some of his players were involved in an investigation into an alleged sexual assault, as Victoria Police said it had not arrested or formally interviewed anyone in relation to the matter.

Police released an updated statement on Tuesday morning, saying detectives from the sexual crimes squad were investigating an alleged incident from the early hours of Monday morning.

The investigation relates to an allegation of sexual assault at an East Melbourne hotel hours after the team’s victory over Essendon at the MCG on Sunday night.

This masthead has contacted the representatives of Isaac Heeney, Riley Bice, James Jordon, Chad Warner and one other player after two senior industry sources said they were spoken to by police after an allegation of sexual assault in the early hours of Monday morning.

This masthead is not suggesting the players are under investigation by police, just that they are assisting with inquiries.

A manager representing a fifth player denied his client was one of the players involved.

Speaking outside Swans HQ on Tuesday morning, Cox said the club would provide updates once more was known.

“Obviously, extremely disappointed with what’s happened, and I understand the questions, and we’ll update as we gather more information,” Cox said.

However, Cox did not confirm if any players would be subject to sanctions.

“We’re working our way through everything with the AFL and relevant parties, and we’ll update when we get more information,” Cox said.

Cox said they would speak to players “as the day unfolds”.

The five players are unlikely to play this week regardless of the police investigation, as the Swans consider potential sanctions for late-night drinking at the team hotel, which is funded by the AFL, after a match.

Swans captain Callum Mills spoke briefly outside of the club’s facilities on Tuesday morning.

“I can’t really comment. It’s an ongoing investigation, and we don’t have the facts yet, so I can’t really comment,” Mills said of the situation.

Asked what the feeling was like among the playing group, Mills once again said he wouldn’t comment until they knew the facts.

“Not going to comment. Once everything is sort of sorted and the facts have been understood, then we can comment.”

Swans AFLW player and former co-captain Chloe Molloy was also stopped heading into Swans HQ this morning and asked to comment. She said: “It’s a police investigation, obviously. I can’t comment.”

Swans players continue to arrive at the Moore Park facility on Tuesday morning, including Jake Lloyd, Matt Roberts, Joel Hamling, Jesse Dattoli, Harry Cunningham, Jevan Phillipou, Justin McInerney and Hayden McLean ahead of an expected team meeting.

More to come

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