The coach of Australia’s women’s hockey team has been stood down from his position, over allegations of “serious misconduct” at a celebration after this year’s Rio Olympics.
ABC News report that Adam Commens “exposed himself and made lewd remarks” to various members of the Hockeyroos at a party following the hockey finals.
Commens only had a few days left in the role, with his contract due to expire on September 30, but following the allegations, the board of Hockey Australia opted to terminate him early.
Board president David Hatt made a statement to media, saying:
“On behalf of the board of directors of Hockey Australia, I want to make clear that as an organisation, we take the on-field and off-field behaviour of our players, coaching staff and employees very seriously. Hockey Australia holds its people to the highest standards and will not condone or excuse misconduct in any circumstances.”
Commens was part of the bronze medal-winning men’s hockey team at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, and became coach of the women’s team in 2011. This year, the Hockeyroos were knocked out by New Zealand in the quarter finals.
Senior assistant coach Jason Duff had already been tapped to take over as interim coach post-Rio, with Commens indicating that he would not be seeking to renew his contract. A new permanent coach has yet to be announced.
Source: ABC News.
Photo: Paul Gilham / Getty.
