Nathan Bock Suspended by Adelaide Crows

In a statement just released by the Adelaide Crows, star defender Nathan Bock has been suspended following his weekend arrest where he was charged with assaulting his girlfriend.

The club has laid out a number of strict guidelines for Bock to follow before he will be considered for selection. He will definitely miss this weekend’s game against Fremantle, and whether he will be considered the week after was addressed in the statement…

Nathan was out late and intoxicated, and whilst in this state was involved in an incident which led to him being arrested and charged with assaulting his girlfriend.
These actions are not tolerated by the Club and in particular the playing group.
Although Nathan has apologised, the Club believes that the following course of action should be undertaken to ensure that there is a behaviour change on Nathan’s behalf.

1. Nathan will be directed to attend a family violence men’s behaviour program and counselling in anger management/use of alcohol and relationship matters. .
2. Nathan will attend 50 hours of Community Service.
3. He will be fined $5,000 net which we would direct to the relevant organisations.
4. Nathan will be unavailable for selection until he actions the program outlined. In short, that means missing this weekend versus Fremantle and being assessed thereafter as to when he returns to playing.

Bock was remorseful at a press conference at the club, making the following statement:

Firstly and foremost, I deeply regret my actions on Saturday night and wish to apologise to my girlfriend Carlie, and to her family for any embarrassment and hurt I have caused them. I also apologise to my family and friends, the Adelaide Football Club its players, staff, sponsors and supporters. I am deeply disappointed in my behaviour and acknowledge the fact that as an Adelaide Football Club player, we are looked upon as role models in the community and I will endeavour to regain any respect I have lost. The players of the Adelaide Football Club have fully supported the AFL’s Respect and Responsibility Program and I have let them down in that area.
The course of action put together by the Club and the players is something I will adhere to and make the utmost effort to change my behaviour in these situations.
It is out of character for me, and I accept the fact that I need to do some work in the areas of managing my behaviour when drinking, to ensure that I don’t get myself in this type of position again.

How quickly the fortunes of a footy club can change throughout a season – after getting the best possible start they could hope for by knocking off the Pies in round 1, the Crows have now dropped a winnable game at home against the Saints and have now lost their All-Australian Centre Half Back for what must be considered a danger game against the 0-2 Dockers.

Adelaide have however shown the strength of their club by quickly addressing the situation and most would have to agree they appear to have handled the incident as well as could be hoped for. It will be interesting to see how long Bock will be on the sidelines – the cynics will say it’s only going to be a one game slap on the wrist, but only time will tell.

What are your thoughts on Bock’s suspension? Too harsh – too lenient – or are you just angry because he’s ruined your Dream Team? Leave us a comment!