AFL legend Nicky Winmar, aged 59, is facing serious legal issues, including allegations of two assaults and the intentional choking of an individual, as revealed in recent court documents. Winmar, a former star for St Kilda, was scheduled to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court for a bail revocation hearing which could have led to his incarceration. However, a prosecutor successfully requested to have this application dismissed, allowing him to remain free for the time being.
Winmar has been charged with three offences stemming from incidents that occurred on July 18; specifics of these allegations were not discussed during a brief court appearance. His full legal name is Neil Winmar, and he appeared alongside his lawyer, Tess Theocharous, via video link. Theocharous informed the court that her client is currently participating in a court-integrated services program (CISP), a requirement of his bail granted on the same day as the alleged offences. The court granted a request to adjourn the case to provide Winmar time to engage with this program.
Acknowledging the seriousness of the charges, Magistrate Vincenzo Caltabiano agreed to defer the case for a month, with Winmar’s next court date set for August 28. The former football star is celebrated for being the first Aboriginal player to reach 200 games in the AFL, finishing his career with a total of 230 games for St Kilda and 21 for the Western Bulldogs.
Winmar has previously faced legal troubles, avoiding jail time in 2019 after receiving a community service order for assaulting a taxi driver while intoxicated. Throughout his notable career, he has also been a vocal opponent of racism. One of his most significant moments came in 1993 when he famously responded to racial abuse during a match against Collingwood by proudly displaying his heritage.
Recently, he was invited to co-lead a significant racism class action in the Supreme Court, initiated by other retired Indigenous players, including Phil Krakouer. As he navigates these ongoing legal challenges, the outcome of his current charges remains to be seen.