Michael Talia suspended by Swans over drug arrest
Michael Talia, the brother of star Adelaide Crows defender Daniel, has been stood down by the Sydney Swans after being arrested and charged with drug possession.
The Swans said in a statement this morning that Talia was arrested by police early yesterday in Double Bay, and charged with possessing a quantity of a prohibited substance.
The 23-year-old was allegedly caught with cocaine outside the eastern suburbs Casablanca nightclub, it has been reported.
He will appear in the Waverley Local Court next month.
Tom Harley, Sydney’s General Manager of Football, said it was “extremely disappointing to have one of our players in this situation”.
“Given the seriousness of the charges we have made the decision to stand Michael down from training and club activities as we gather the facts,” Harley said.
“Our decision is in no way a reflection of judgement, but rather an interim measure as the matter is investigated by police.”
He said all Swans players were educated about “our club’s firm view on drug issues” and the AFL’s illicit drugs policy.
“We will work through this matter with Michael from a legal, welfare and education perspective to ensure he receives the necessary support,” Harley said.
Talia has been sidelined by injury this season and hasn’t lined up for the Swans since Round One.
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His departure to Sydney from the Western Bulldogs last year was shrouded in controversy, with the fringe defender on the outer amid allegations he had passed game-sensitive information to brother Daniel ahead of last year’s knockout final between the Bulldogs and Adelaide.
The Bulldogs asked the league’s integrity unit to investigate the matter, but Talia was eventually cleared of wrongdoing.
Daniel Talia is one of the Crows’ marquee players, a rising star winner, club champion and All Australian who this year signed on with the club until the end of 2021.
