October 2, 2007

The Brisbane Lions Football Club confirms that Simon Black today received a court order to participate in a Diversion Program for his role in an incident which occurred at St Kilda’s Prince of Wales Hotel on Grand Final eve last year.

The Melbourne Magistrates Court directed Black to complete the Diversion Program which means he will not have a conviction recorded against his name for admitting his responsibility in a minor first offence. The police also recommended his acceptance into the Program.

The Diversion Program will involve doing community work for ARBIAS – the Alcohol Related Brain Injury Australian Services organisation.

Magistrate Paul Smith said of Black: “This is a beneficial outcome for the community. Your behaviour was totally out of character. [You] are entitled to keep your good name intact.”

Black has no prior convictions and defence lawyer Michael Bosscher said Simon had already made significant contributions to the community through his volunteer work.

Brisbane Lions Club Chairman Tony Kelly made the following comment upon hearing the outcome.

“I am obviously disappointed at having a Lions player appearing before the court, but I know that Simon’s high profile and standing within the community will certainly assist the great work provided by ARBIAS in his Diversion Program.”

No further comment will be made by the Club on the matter as it has now been finalised by the courts.

Link to story on Geelong Football Club AFL website: No conviction for Lions champ