Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Adelaide's Simon Goodwin, Melbourne defender Daniel Ward, Sydney rookie
Kieran Jack, and Kangaroo David Hale are all under investigation for
gambling on ALF games. While none of the players actually bet on or against
their respective teams, it is believed they did place wagers on other
football games. Ts is in direct contravention to the very strict AFL rules
against betting on games or other football related events. If found guilty
of gambling on the AFL, those players could faces a fine of up to $100000
and a lengthy suspension. It is believed the gambling was discovered after
the players had placed bets with TAB Sportsbet. Although the betting outfit
keeps customer information confidential, it signed an agreement with the AFL
last year which would allow the release of information to league officials
when suspicious betting took place. It was under this agreement by which the
AFL discovered the rule breach. The league hopes to complete its inquiry
within two weeks. Some fans have chimed in with their opinions: I can
remember hearing that some one who isn't in the public eye put $40,000 on
Federa to win the Aust. Open, a pretty sure bet really. To me it is a storm
in a tea cup and if the AFL are going to pursue and penalize these players
let's go back to last year and open up the hornet's nest and name the
players who had POSITIVE drug tests. To me a much more important issue than
betting.