Bets cost North hefty fine
12/09/2008 4:02 PM
North Melbourne has been handed a suspended fine of $50,000 for club director Ron Joseph's placement of two bets on the club during last year's AFL finals.
Joseph's wagers worth a total of $300 on North Melbourne to defeat Geelong in a qualifying final were in breach of AFL rules which prohibit all club staff and officials including directors from gambling on AFL matches.
North Melbourne chief executive Eugene Arocca said the club accepted the penalty and had addressed the issue.
"Ron and the club have cooperated fully with the AFL investigation into this matter and we accept their findings," Arocca said.
"At the time of placing the bets Ron had not been fully informed of the AFL gambling policy."
"We have since put measures in place to ensure that all club directors, officials, and players are acutely aware of their obligations under the rule."
Joseph said that he regretted the impact of his actions on the club.
"I accept that by placing the bets I broke the AFL gambling regulations and understand the position that puts the club in," Joseph said.
"I regret any embarrassment or distraction I may have caused."
As part of the sanction, the AFL will address North Melbourne players and officials to explain the anti-gambling regulations in full detail.