Craig Moore and Kevin Muscat wanted more out of their professional football careers, but a betting scandal earned them nominations for The Frownlow Medal Hall of Fame.
The Frownlow Medal is awarded to the player whose off-field demeanour epitomises the values of the modern-day footballer and draws attention to the status of footballers as role models to young Australians. It covers Australia’s four major football codes: the National Rugby League (NRL), Australian Football League (AFL), the A-League (Football) and Rugby Union’s Super Rugby competition. NRL player Shaun Kenny-Dowall won the inaugural medal in 2015, while NRL star Talatau Amone is the most recent recipient.
The Frownlow Medal Hall of Fame honours former players and players who received media attention in previous seasons, for similarly scandalous behaviour, and its inductees include Ben Cousins and Julian O’Neill.
Moore and Muscat were fined $3000 each by Football Federation Australia in 2008 for betting on matches in Australia and breaching the code of conduct for players. Both were captains of their respective A League clubs at the time.
They did not bet on matches in which they played, but still did enough to earn the fines and a Frownlow nomination.
Muscat expressed regret for his actions.
“I apologise profusely for my actions,” he told the press.
“This will never happen again. This is a clear error of judgement on my behalf and I make no excuse.”
He said he accepted his $3,000 fine from the FFA.
“I’ve clearly done the wrong thing and accept the sanctions handed down by the FFA,” he said.
“It is the first betting account I’ve ever opened, which I did two weeks ago.
“I’ve made one bet on a game not involving our team and acknowledge I’ve made a very serious error.”
Both players kept their roles despite the indiscretion and have been informed that they can bet on anything they want at the awards night for The Frownlow Medal and The Frownlow Medal Hall of Fame to be held later this year.
Image: NuNa
The Frownlow Medal 