The text messages show he is a coward

The Victorian Supreme Court is currently hearing a legal dispute between former Carlton Football Club president Luke Sayers and his estranged wife, Cate Sayers. The proceedings follow a scandal that led to Sayers’ departure from the club in early 2025.

The January 2025 Incident

In January 2025, Luke Sayers left his position at Carlton after an intimate photo of his penis was posted to his X account. The post included a tag for a female manager at one of the club’s sponsors.

Sayers has claimed that the image in question was originally taken for medical reasons. It has not yet been established in court who posted the image or how it was uploaded online.

Did You Know? Luke Sayers officially left the Carlton Football Club in January 2025 following the publication of the image on social media.

Conflicting Statements and Evidence

Court documents reveal a discrepancy between Sayers’ official statements and his private communications. In a statutory declaration provided to Carlton, Sayers allegedly blamed his wife for posting the photo.

However, text messages released by the court this week show Sayers denying this claim to Cate Sayers. In these messages, he told her, “nobody we know” thinks she did it and expressed concern that he “could lose my marriage.”

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter suggests that the discrepancy between a formal statutory declaration and private admissions could significantly impact the court’s view of credibility. The stakes extend beyond the marriage to the professional standards of sports administration.

Broader Implications

The case has raised questions regarding the due diligence processes of the AFL. The public nature of the dispute highlights the tension between private relationship collapses and professional accountability.

Carlton FC President Luke Sayers Resigns Following Photo Scandal | 10 News First

Private texts revealed during the proceedings show a strained relationship, with Cate Sayers described as being “scathingly businesslike” in her communications, including telling her husband to “find another hotel.”

Potential Next Steps

The Victorian Supreme Court may further examine the timeline of the social media post to determine responsibility. A possible next step could involve a final judicial determination on the veracity of the statutory declaration.

The AFL could potentially review its internal due diligence processes in light of the events surrounding the former club president.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Luke Sayers leave the Carlton Football Club?
He left the club in January 2025 after a photo of his penis was posted on his X account, which tagged a female manager at a club sponsor.

What is the contradiction in Luke Sayers’ claims?
Court documents claim he blamed his wife in a statutory declaration to the club, while private texts released by the court show him denying that she was responsible.

What reason did Luke Sayers provide for the photo?
Sayers claims the photograph was taken for medical reasons.

Do you believe professional sporting organizations should implement stricter due diligence for their executive leadership?