The Melbourne Football Club has apologised for causing “distress” after personal information surrounding former star Steven May was shared with the partners of players.
A SEN report detailed a phone hook-up that took place between up to 15 players’ partners and Demons chief executive Paul Guerra, coach Steven King and football boss Alan Richardson.
The call was originally intended to be an introductory session to meet the club’s new coach before it pivoted to May.
The report alleged Richardson revealed details of a welfare check that took place at May’s house on January 29.
According to the report, the phone hook-up between senior Melbourne leaders and partners unfolded on February 5.
Richardson is said to have made it clear in the call that May’s partner Sachi Dade had been involved in some “challenges” and said that she was “concerned a bit about Steve”.
The discussion upset at least one person on the call with a complaint reportedly lodged with the AFL Players’ Association who then informed the AFL of the matter.
Melbourne issued a statement on Friday, stating the purpose of the meeting had been to support players and their families but acknowledged it had caused hurt and they apologised for the incident.
“The club held a Teams meeting with player partners,” the statement read.
“The meeting sought to provide reassurance of the club’s commitment to supporting the families as well as the playing group.
“Whilst it was not our intent, we acknowledge the meeting has caused distress and for that the club is sorry.”
May’s AFL career came to an end on March 1st after the premiership defender accepted a negotiated settlement to retire, despite having a season remaining on his $800,000 a year contract.
“It’s an incredibly tough decision to make on the eve of the season but I know it’s the right one for myself, my family and the team,” May wrote on Instagram.
“As a kid from Darwin, all I ever wanted was to play one game of AFL. To have lived that dream and had the career I’ve had is something I’ll be forever grateful for.
“Thank you to the Gold Coast Suns for initially giving me that opportunity, starting in the inaugural season sure was an experience I’ll never forget and happy to have played a tiny role in the club’s inception.
“Thank you to the Melbourne Football Club for seeing something in me and pursuing me, it was a hard decision to leave my club but a decision that paid dividends and I’ll forever be a premiership player for such a historic club.
“It truly was a privilege to have been part of this club and this group of boys. The lifelong relationships and memories will stay with me forever.
“Right now the club, Kingy (coach Stephen King) and the boys deserve some clean air and no distractions moving forward, and I wish the lads nothing but success ahead.
“Very exciting times for our fans.”
