Telstra suspends Swans players from brand ambassador program
Telstra has suspended Sydney Swans players Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner from its brand ambassador program following an investigation into alleged sexual assault. Several other major sponsors have expressed concern, warning of potential financial consequences for the players and the club.
Why it matters
This case illustrates the growing trend of corporate sponsors distancing themselves from athletes involved in legal investigations to protect brand reputation.
— 7:17pm , first published 2:25pm
Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items.
Remove items from your saved list to add more.
Share A A A A raft of the Swans’ biggest sponsors have declared they have no tolerance for wrongdoing after Telstra stood down brand ambassadors Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner following breaches of club behaviour standards on Sunday night.
Events of that night are also the subject of an investigation into an allegation of sexual assault by one woman.
If the accusations are proven and sponsors flee, marketing experts have warned that Heeney alone could face a $600,000 income hit from losing his personal backers, along with those that have put the Swans on notice.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in