Crown Resorts Bans AFL Hall of Famer Wayne Carey From Casinos After Alleged Drug Incident

Wayne Carey, who had a long and colorful career in the AFL, was gambling at last Thursday when a baggie of white powder fell out of his pocket while at a gaming table, catching the eye of the casino and patrons.

The 51-year-old former half-forward and current media personality was quick to react. However, it was too late, and the casino hit him with a ban.

But the incident was a misunderstanding, according to Carey. Carey claimed that the bag contained an anti-inflammatory medicine. The casino’s management accepted Carey’s excuse and avoided calling the police but followed through with the ban. 

Security personnel then escorted him out the doors and off the property.

The ban covers all Crown properties in Australia, not just gaming floors. Hotels, bars, and nightclubs are off-limits, as well.

Crown Perth wouldn’t provide any additional details to the press, nor did it elaborate in a statement it released. However, the fallout is continuing to follow Carey.

The former North Melbourne player and 2010 AFL Hall of Fame inductee has enjoyed a career as an analyst and sports personality with Australia’s Channel Seven since he left the field. However, after the story broke, Carey voluntarily stepped away from the organization until things cool off.

Carey has been a regular author of a sports column for the media outlet The Age. Editor Gay Alcorn acknowledged that the company was aware of the incident and is reviewing the facts before making a determination.

Carey was also scheduled to attend the upcoming ceremony to honor the latest recipient of the Charles Brownlow Trophy (AKA the Brownlow Medal). The award recipient is considered the “best and fairest” player in the AFL, according to the league. Some also consider it the highest individual honor a player can receive.

The ceremony will take place in two weeks, with Crown Melbourne hosting the event. Because Carey, who doesn’t have a Brownlow, now has a ban in place by the Crown, he won’t be able to attend.

From 1989 to 2001, Carey played for the AFL’s North Melbourne Football Club, where he won two AFL championships. During that time, he was, for the most part, the consummate athlete. This led to several awards and multiple stints as the All-Australian Team Captain.

In 2002, however, things began to change, according to news reports at the time. The most prominent scandal involved Carey and the wife of then-teammate Anthony Stevens, with whom he had an affair.

Soon after, Carey resigned from the team and headed to . However, he returned to Australia, where the Adelaide Crows picked him up. His troubles continued to follow him. Carey has a police record for domestic violence, assault, and resisting arrest. However, he has managed to stay ahead of the issues and maintain his position as a media personality.