Controversial Collingwood young gun Jack Ginnivan says he’s “truly sorry” after he was caught taking an illicit substance in a hotel bathroom last month.
The AFL has slapped the Magpie with a two-game ban after an investigation was undertaken when vision emerged of Ginnivan with an illicit substance at a Torquay hotel.
Speaking on 7NEWS, Ginnivan admitted using the drugs on a day off from a Collingwood camp while out with friends and Magpie teammates.
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“I went into the cubicle and obviously taken an illicit substance,” he said.
“Obviously a few drinks, a lack of judgement at the time. I can’t really speak on why I did it.
“When I walked into the bathroom I didn’t think someone would be videoing me.
“It’s obviously a private place. I can imagine anyone else getting videoed in a bathroom would be pretty uncomfortable.”
It’s the second time Ginnivan, who made headlines last year as the Collingwood young gun with an uncanny ability to draw free kicks, has made a public apology after vision of he and teammate Isaac Quaynor “rating women” went viral.
“As a club, we are incredibly disappointed to have observed vision showing Jack Ginnivan with an illicit substance,” Magpies footy boss Graham Wright said.
“The vision was captured by a member of the public following the club’s pre-season camp in January and was distributed to media in recent days.
“All players and staff are continually educated on appropriate behaviours and we expect everyone at our club to uphold the highest of standards as representatives of the wider Collingwood community, our members, supporters and corporate partners.
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“We will continue to work closely with Jack, who has owned his behaviour, to provide him with the support and continual education he needs as he continues his journey at Collingwood.”
In a statement, Ginnivan admitted he fell “well short” of the standards expected of him.
“I want to take ownership of my actions in the vision which shows me with an illicit substance,” Ginnivan said.
“I understand that as an AFL player I have standards I need to meet and, on this occasion, I have fallen well short of the standards expected of me as a footballer and as a representative of Collingwood.
“I am truly sorry to everyone that I have let down with my behaviour. Firstly, my family and the Collingwood football family who each support me so well on and off the field. To our club members and fans, our sponsors and the AFL, I am aware my poor decision-making has impacted on all of you and for that I also apologise.
“I have made mistakes along the way and I’m determined to learn from them in order to be the best person and footballer I can be to avoid letting people down which is what I have done here.”
As well as serving the two-game ban, Ginnivan will not be available to participate in Collingwood’s upcoming match simulation vs Carlton and in the AFL’s official practice round of games.
He will also not be eligible for VFL selection at any time during his suspension and has been hit with a $5000 (suspended) fine.
Speaking on 7NEWS, Ginnivan said he was “utterly disappointed” in himself and didn’t know the footage existed until Thursday.
“I feel like I’ve let 44 of my best mates down,” he said.
