VIP nightclub admission lures footy stars
By Michael Warner
Tuesday, April 10, 2001
AFL footballers are being lured to city nightclubs with promises of free alcohol and VIP entry.
The enticements are offered as AFL clubs battle to control trouble-prone players in a season already marred by off-field controversy.
St Kilda tough man Barry Hall's arrest after a nightclub brawl last week was the latest in a spate of drinking-related incidents.
A letter obtained by the Herald Sun reveals an offer to Carlton players at the Spy Bar Lounge, in King St.
Drink cards and priority entry are promised by management in a deal believed to cover all senior-listed AFL players.
''We realise the rigours of training can be quite demanding on professional sportsman and are proud to provide a venue where relaxation and socialising are the name of the game,'' said the letter, addressed to a senior Carlton player.
Other city venues are believed to tempt AFL players with similar offers.
Blues spokesman Ian Coutts said the club was angry that the profile of its players was being exploited by nightclubs.
''We tell the players, 'these kind of things will come your way as an AFL player . . . people are trying to take advantage of your position and you've got to make sure you look after your personal position, not just as an AFL player but as a member of the community','' he said.
''It's certainly not something that we consider appropriate.''
A woman who socialises with high-profile footballers told the Herald Sun she had seen players bombarded with drink cards at a variety of city venues.
''Usually they're worth $50, but they can go back for seconds and thirds,'' she said.
The woman, who would not be identified, said the presence of AFL players drew hundreds of fans.
''They (nightclubs) know if they get footballers there, they get girls there and the blokes with money will follow. People want to go and be seen mixing with them.''
Spy Bar Lounge manager Dale Reeves said AFL players had never caused trouble at the venue, which attracts more than 2000 punters a night.
''They're just amazing, we've never had to throw out a drunk footballer,'' he said.
''In the old days they'd try and barge through . . . But the AFL footballers today are absolutely awesome. They wait in queues, they're polite and they don't abuse,'' he said.
''The players come here because they know they're not going to be hassled and harassed . . . and the crowds generally like brushing shoulders with celebrities.''
But AFL Players Association boss Rob Kerr said he hoped players showed discretion in choice of venue.
''If it's well known that players frequent certain venues then there will be occasions where they'll be targeted,'' Mr Kerr said.
''Drink cards might be great for a couple of hours but the repercussions might be significantly greater.''
Mr Kerr said it was well known some nightclubs enticed AFL footballers to increase the popularity of the venue.
Player manager Craig Kelly said players were entitled to socialise, but some night-spots were best avoided.
''If players are going to go out you hope it is a well-managed venue, somewhere where the bouncers and everyone respects them,'' the former Collingwood star said.
The Metro nightclub, where Hall was arrested last Sunday morning, said it also catered for celebrity guests.
''There are drink cards . . . but they don't target AFL footballers specifically,'' a spokesman said.
Mercury Lounge owner Frank Stivala said players visiting his club were also treated with drink cards at certain times.
INTERESTING THAT THE SPY LOUNGE IS THE REVAMPED "TUNNEL NIGHTCLUB" I know many a footballer who was thrown out of there for being drunk.....what a load of Bullshit from these Nighclub owners and managers.
By Michael Warner
Tuesday, April 10, 2001
AFL footballers are being lured to city nightclubs with promises of free alcohol and VIP entry.
The enticements are offered as AFL clubs battle to control trouble-prone players in a season already marred by off-field controversy.
St Kilda tough man Barry Hall's arrest after a nightclub brawl last week was the latest in a spate of drinking-related incidents.
A letter obtained by the Herald Sun reveals an offer to Carlton players at the Spy Bar Lounge, in King St.
Drink cards and priority entry are promised by management in a deal believed to cover all senior-listed AFL players.
''We realise the rigours of training can be quite demanding on professional sportsman and are proud to provide a venue where relaxation and socialising are the name of the game,'' said the letter, addressed to a senior Carlton player.
Other city venues are believed to tempt AFL players with similar offers.
Blues spokesman Ian Coutts said the club was angry that the profile of its players was being exploited by nightclubs.
''We tell the players, 'these kind of things will come your way as an AFL player . . . people are trying to take advantage of your position and you've got to make sure you look after your personal position, not just as an AFL player but as a member of the community','' he said.
''It's certainly not something that we consider appropriate.''
A woman who socialises with high-profile footballers told the Herald Sun she had seen players bombarded with drink cards at a variety of city venues.
''Usually they're worth $50, but they can go back for seconds and thirds,'' she said.
The woman, who would not be identified, said the presence of AFL players drew hundreds of fans.
''They (nightclubs) know if they get footballers there, they get girls there and the blokes with money will follow. People want to go and be seen mixing with them.''
Spy Bar Lounge manager Dale Reeves said AFL players had never caused trouble at the venue, which attracts more than 2000 punters a night.
''They're just amazing, we've never had to throw out a drunk footballer,'' he said.
''In the old days they'd try and barge through . . . But the AFL footballers today are absolutely awesome. They wait in queues, they're polite and they don't abuse,'' he said.
''The players come here because they know they're not going to be hassled and harassed . . . and the crowds generally like brushing shoulders with celebrities.''
But AFL Players Association boss Rob Kerr said he hoped players showed discretion in choice of venue.
''If it's well known that players frequent certain venues then there will be occasions where they'll be targeted,'' Mr Kerr said.
''Drink cards might be great for a couple of hours but the repercussions might be significantly greater.''
Mr Kerr said it was well known some nightclubs enticed AFL footballers to increase the popularity of the venue.
Player manager Craig Kelly said players were entitled to socialise, but some night-spots were best avoided.
''If players are going to go out you hope it is a well-managed venue, somewhere where the bouncers and everyone respects them,'' the former Collingwood star said.
The Metro nightclub, where Hall was arrested last Sunday morning, said it also catered for celebrity guests.
''There are drink cards . . . but they don't target AFL footballers specifically,'' a spokesman said.
Mercury Lounge owner Frank Stivala said players visiting his club were also treated with drink cards at certain times.
INTERESTING THAT THE SPY LOUNGE IS THE REVAMPED "TUNNEL NIGHTCLUB" I know many a footballer who was thrown out of there for being drunk.....what a load of Bullshit from these Nighclub owners and managers.
