Kurt Tippett leaves AFL House with his lawyer David Galbally QC. Source: Herald Sun
KURT Tippett says he only discovered six weeks ago that he had signed illegal deals that broke AFL draft and salary cap rules.
Tippett pleaded guilty today to two charges of acting in conduct prejudicial to the draft and to the salary cap but says he did not know at the time he was breaking AFL rules.
He was banned from next year's NAB Cup and 22 home-and-away matches, but 11 of those were suspended for five years - for being a party to secret deals in 2009.
The deals assured Tippett he would be traded to a club of his choice at the end of his three-year contract, and that he received $200,000 in third-party payments not included in the Crows' total player payments.
After the hearing Tippett issued a statement saying he pleaded guilty to get the hearing over and prepare for next season, where he hopes to play for Sydney.
"I trusted the Adelaide Football Club and for the duration of my contract I did my utmost for the club on and off the field," Tippett's said.
"It is bitterly disappointing, then, to learn that my trust and best endeavours have been to my substantial detriment.
"Only during the recent AFL trade period did I learn that some terms in the Adelaide offer may have contravened AFL rules, and since that point I and all parties associated with me have co-operated fully with the AFL in its investigations.
Tippett banned, Crows fined for rorts
"I have nothing to hide and have only refrained from media comment in recent weeks on legal advice and out of respect for the AFL investigation process.
"Through my legal representative I asked for an open hearing today in the hope that the truth would be revealed.
"I pleaded guilty to the two charges on advice without any admission of liability and despite being assured there were valid defences available to me in respect to both charges. It is very important to me that I concentrate on preparing for next season and remove all distractions from my preparation.
"I am glad that this matter is now finalised and I look forward to moving on and playing football."
Mark Stevens: Crows penalty a slap on wrist
The AFL Players Association backed Tippett, saying the 11-match ban is harsh.
"We do ... have some concerns at the severity of the penalty imposed on the player, given that he was taking advice from senior executives at the club and his advisors," AFLP general manager Ian Prendergast said.
"Half a season out of a short playing career has a much more serious impact than six months out of a much longer career in administration or management."
Prendergast said the AFLPA will now investigate the involvement of Tippett's manager Peter Blucher.
"The agent accreditation board will aim to deal with the matter in a timely manner, whilst following due process and providing the agent natural justice."
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