Sydney Swan Riley Bice ‘not a suspect’ in police sexual assault investigation

September 2, 2026 — 4:32pmSydney Swan Riley Bice has been cleared of any criminal conduct in the unfolding police investigation into the alleged sexual assault of exotic dancers at a Melbourne hotel last month.A source with knowledge of the Victoria Police inquiry, but not authorised to speak publicly, also confirmed that detectives have finished a round of voluntary interviews with the four other Swans players but revealed some had not taken part in the process.Swans players (from left) Chad Warner, James Jordon, Isaac Heeney, Riley Bice and Nick Blakey have been suspended for the rest of the season.Artwork: Marija ErcegovacThe source said Bice, 25, is now being treated as a potential witness in the case, which is now in its third week.The other Swans stars at the centre of the incident – Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey and James Jordon – all remain part of the police investigation.The developments follow reporting by this masthead of the appointment by the players of different lawyers to represent their diverging interests, with at least three separate counsels now working for the men.The source connected with the investigation said some in the group had declined to provide voluntary accounts of the fateful night at the Pullman Hotel in East Melbourne last month, police can seek to interview them again at any time.In a statement on Wednesday, Victoria Police confirmed three women had made a report about the night and detectives had this week travelled to Sydney to speak to four people.“That process has now concluded,” the statement read.“Investigators also spoke to or will speak to three men believed to be in the hotel room at the time of the incident, who are being treated solely as witnesses at this time.“Police now believe they have now identified all parties who were in the room at the time of the alleged incident and are not looking for anyone further.”Riley Bice’s manager refused to comment.A spokesman for the Swans, in a statement issued after the update from Victoria Police, said: “We note that no charges have been laid and that police have indicated the process may take some time to run its course.”“The wellbeing of those impacted remains of paramount importance,” the spokesman said.“As it remains a police investigation, it is not appropriate to comment further.“The club again extends its sincere apologies to our members and fans, sponsors and the wider community, along with all of our staff and players across both the women’s and men’s programs, for the distress and disappointment this matter has caused.”More to comeBe the first to know when major news happens. Sign up for breaking news alerts on email or turn on notifications in the app.More:CrimeSydney SwansFor subscribersAFL off-field behaviourAFL 2026From our partners