Riley Bice Cleared in Swans Scandal as Police Narrow Focus to Four Players

Victoria Police have cleared Sydney Swans defender Riley Bice of any criminal conduct in their investigation into alleged sexual assault at the Pullman Hotel in East Melbourne on August 17. Detectives completed interviews with four men this week in New South Wales. Bice, 25, is now treated solely as a witness, while Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, and James Jordon remain under investigation. All five players remain suspended by the club for the rest of the AFL season.

Police narrow investigation to four players

Victoria Police Sexual Crimes Squad detectives travelled to Sydney this week and completed interviews with four men aged 26, 30, 25, and 25 from Randwick, Maroubra, Randwick, and Paddington respectively. The interviews concluded this week as part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged August 17 incident. Police confirmed three women filed reports about the incident and that detectives have now identified all seven people believed to have been in the hotel room at the time.

Bice treated as witness, others remain suspects

Riley Bice is no longer being investigated and is instead being treated solely as a witness. The other four Swans players—Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, and James Jordon—remain the primary focus of police inquiries. Some of the four players declined to provide voluntary accounts to detectives, though police can seek to interview them again at any time. No charges have been laid against any of the players.

Club maintains suspension despite police clearance

Despite being cleared by police, Bice will remain suspended by the Sydney Swans for the rest of the 2026 AFL season. Coach Dean Cox confirmed on Thursday that all five players would stay stood down from club duties. Cox said the club’s decision to suspend the players was separate from the police investigation and based on breaching the club’s standards after partying following a win against Essendon in Melbourne.

Investigation timeline and next steps

Victoria Police said they do not expect to provide another update for approximately eight weeks. Police confirmed they are not looking for anyone further and believe they have identified all parties present in the hotel room. The investigation remains active and ongoing. The club has also confirmed it will not comment on the investigation or the on-field future of the suspended players.

Final Thoughts

Riley Bice’s clearance narrows the scandal to four Swans players, but all five remain suspended by the club indefinitely. No charges have been laid and police expect no updates for eight weeks.

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