Richmond Football Club’s Nathan Broad is under investigation. He is accused of circulating a photo on Snapchat messenger of a topless young woman, who was wearing only his premiership medal, to other people without consent. The episode came just days after Richmond’s historic victory at the 2017 premiership. It has generated some major lamentation and outrage on behalf of the young woman in question.
The club had three-match suspension to Broad at the start of the 2018 season. He was already facing criticism for what he’d done. Richmond President Peggy O’Neal shared the club’s frustration, saying they have been leading in tackling the issue.
We’ve been working hand-in-glove with both Victoria Police and the AFL during this entire process, said O’Neal. First and foremost, we have been mindful of the young woman and her family.
The distress caused to the young woman and her family has been acknowledged by both the club and the AFL. O’Neal emphasized Richmond’s commitment to supporting her during this difficult time, stating, “The victim has been provided with the appropriate support and the club recognizes the sensitivities of the matter.”
In our conversation, Broad, reflecting on the decisions he made as Chancellor, did not hesitate to take responsibility for his behavior. “I shared a very intimate photo in a public way without this young lady’s consent,” he confessed.
I’d like to conclude with the drunk driver’s own words of apology. “I am ashamed and embarrassed. I made a horrible decision while intoxicated. He owned up to his failures, explaining, “I let down my family, my friends, the Richmond Football Club but more importantly, I let down a young woman I was close with, one I spent time with prior to the Grand Final and really admired.
Impact AFL CEO Andrew Dillon, who acted as the league’s legal counsel throughout the investigation, told reporters of Broad’s conduct. His remarks underscore how serious the situation is. According to O’Neal, the club felt that Broad’s behavior was simply unacceptable and pointed out the need for more education on what respectful behavior looks like.
O’Neal noted that this highly publicized incident should be a wake-up call to all. Mostly, he hopes it will cultivate an environment for respectful and responsible behavior.
