Shocking News: AFL Player Rejects Collingwood Due to Controversial Contract Clauses
In a surprising turn of events, Collingwood’s star midfielder, Jordan De Goey, has rejected the club’s lucrative five-year contract offer. The reason? A contentious behavioural clause that would grant the club broad discretion to terminate his contract at their discretion.
The Controversial Clause
According to reports, the specific clause in question would allow Collingwood to stand De Goey down and terminate his contract whenever they deemed necessary. The Australian Football League Players’ Association (AFLPA) has expressed concerns over the fairness and clarity of such clauses, arguing that they could be used arbitrarily and without sufficient justification.
De Goey, who has faced scrutiny over past off-field incidents, including a 2021 arrest in New York and a mid-season break in Bali, has reportedly told the club he would not sign the new deal with the proposed behavioural clauses. While he expressed a desire to remain at Collingwood, the terms of the contract were deemed unacceptable.
The Fallout
The rejection has sent shockwaves through the AFL community. De Goey’s decision not only challenges the club’s authority but also raises questions about player autonomy and the power dynamics between clubs and players. The AFLPA’s involvement underscores the significance of the issue, highlighting the need for clear and fair contract terms that protect players’ rights.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on Collingwood’s next move. Will they revise the contract to address De Goey’s concerns, or will they stand firm on their original terms? The outcome could set a precedent for future contract negotiations in the AFL.
For now, Jordan De Goey remains a free agent, and his future in the AFL hangs in the balance.
