Wayne Carey’s commentary career appears over, after Channel Seven confirmed the footballing great will not appear on their telecast for the 2023 season.
Carey was stood down from the final three weeks of the AFL finals series after a bag containing white powder fell from his pocket while at a Perth casino last month.
The North Melbourne legend claimed the powder was crushed anti-inflammatory tablets to treat his long-term health problems. WA Police confirmed on Thursday they will not be pressing charges, following the result of an investigation into the incident.
“This investigation has been finalised and no criminal charges have been preferred,” the police body said in a statement.
However, Carey’s media career has already sustained irreparable damage, with The Age also removing Carey as a regular columnist and radio station Triple M confirming last month the 2022 season would be his last as a member of their commentary team.
Seven had chosen to stand Carey down pending the result of an investigation, but confirmed on Thursday his expert comments role would need to be replaced, saying Carey chose to step away.
“We have been in regular dialogue with Wayne Carey as the WA Police investigation was conducted,” Seven Melbourne director Lewis Martin said in a statement.
“Wayne has advised Seven that due to the media attention he and his family have received as a result of this incident, he doesn’t intend to do any media in 2023.
“We wish to thank Wayne for his service to Seven.”
Former player and media presenter Wayne Carey is seen during the Round 21 AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the St Kilda Saints at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Friday, August 10, 2018. (AAP Image/Julian Smith)
Carey had already been shifted from his customary Friday night football slot to Saturday night matches at the start of 2022.
Carey was escorted from the premises at Crown Perth following the incident.
He argued in September the powder was an anti-inflammatory medication he takes for pain, but admitted the incident was ‘not a great look’.
However, he maintains that had the powder indeed been illegal, casino security should have immediately taken it up with the police.
“If what was alleged had happened, then the police should have been called straight away,” Carey said at the time.
“They never called the police. I want to know why.”
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