ST Kilda Football Club has terminated the playing contract of Jason Gram.
In a statement on their website, the Saints said, following the breakdown of a personal relationship, Gram failed to honour repeated undertakings to the club concerning his behaviour.
“St Kilda Football Club has been working with Gram for a number of months on this issue in an attempt to ensure his behaviour appropriately reflected the values shared across the club and to assist with the management of his personal welfare,” the statement said.
“The club recognises that Jason’s conduct has been of a non-violent nature.”
Following charges laid against Gram, originally from Sale. on September 6 this year, the Saints, in consultation with the AFL and AFL Players Association, imposed an indefinite suspension on Gram and facilitated his participation in an AFLPA counselling program.
“Regrettably, the inappropriate behaviour has continued and his manager was advised yesterday (Monday) that the club had decided to terminate Gram’s contract, which had one year to run. Gram was also advised of the termination in a meeting with club officials late this (Tuesday) afternoon.”
Gram was arrested on Monday night and was charged with respect to his ongoing behaviour. He appeared in the Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court Tuesday morning.
The 28-year-old was bailed to appear again on November 22. Police had opposed bail, fearing that he would reoffend, but magistrate Rosemary Carlin chose not to keep him in custody, saying the nature of his offences were not likely to result in a prison sentence.
To protect the privacy of the parties involved, the nature of the charges will not be revealed.
The AFL has been informed of the situation and has supported the St Kilda Football Club’s position, while the club will continue to make appropriate professional support and counselling services available to Gram.
But AFLPA player relations general manager Ian Prendergast said St Kilda still had a financial obligation towards Gram. While not understating the seriousness of the allegations, Prendergast did not believe matters removed the club from its contractual obligations.
After being selected from Gippsland Power at pick 19 in the 2001 AFL draft, Gram played two games for the Brisbane Lions before moving the Saints for the 2004 season. He played 154 games with the Saints, including the 2009 and 2010 grand finals.
