‘This is not who I am’: Crouch apologises for drug bust
Crows star Brad Crouch has apologised after being caught by police with an illegal substance in the city early Monday morning, with a social media post saying that he has made a “big mistake” and “I hope and trust that it does not define me”.
Brad Crouch. Photo: Michael Errey/InDaily
Crouch, along with Adelaide Football Club forward Tyson Stengle, were in a taxi pulled over by police in Grenfell St at 5.15am Monday.
In a statement on Monday, the club said the pair were “stopped by police and allegedly caught in the possession of an illicit substance in the city precinct” and they had “unconditionally accepted responsibility” for an “error of judgement”.
The club said it was investigating the incident but understood that “neither player will be charged and instead police have referred them to a counselling process”.
Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said on Wednesday that the police action was linked to city security surveillance.
“I can say that CCTV played a part in the detection of the matter, but I won’t go into any further detail,” he said.
Stengle is already facing court next month after being charged with drink driving in an unregistered car while disqualified earlier this year.
The pair share the same management, W Sports and Media, which released a joint statement from both players, saying: “We accept that our error of judgement is not in line with community expectations nor the high standards we set for ourselves.”
“In this regard, we are committed to the counselling process that SA Police has implemented to manage this and will continue to co-operate with our club as required,” the statement said.
“We will be making no further comments until any club process is concluded.”
However, Crouch today posted an apology on Instagram.
Brad Crouch has posted an apology to his Instagram for an alleged early Monday morning off-field incident. pic.twitter.com/Vsj9WuUMM8
— Triple M Footy (@triplemfooty) October 1, 2020
Stengle also apologised over Instagram on Thursday afternoon.
“I have let down my family, friends, the Adelaide Football Club and the AFL community,” he wrote.
“To the loyal Crows supporters, members, sponsors and to the young boys and girls who aspire to be a footy player and look up to me, I have let you down. I am sorry.
“There is no excuse for my behaviour.
“I will now work hard to try and earn your trust back and repay the faith and the love you have shown me.”
The incident came as Crouch’s future with the Crows is under intense speculation ahead of the free agency period.
It’s widely expected last year’s club champion will walk to another team, with the wooden-spoon Crows hoping for a top-end draft pick as compensation if he snares a lucrative deal elsewhere.
-with AAP
