BREAKING: AFL champion Scott Pendlebury has initiated urgent legal proceedings against his former manager, Jason Sourasis, alleging the misappropriation of over $2.1 million from his investment accounts. Pendlebury filed the claim for loss and damages in the Victorian Supreme Court on Friday, with court documents revealing shocking details released to the media this week.
According to the allegations, Sourasis had unrestricted access to Pendlebury’s bank accounts while providing financial advice since 2013. The court documents state that between January 2015 and December 2023, Sourasis allegedly transferred a staggering $2,148,900 from Pendlebury’s accounts to his own, executing more than 50 transactions ranging from $5,000 to $305,000.
Pendlebury, who has played 425 games for the Collingwood Football Club and secured premierships in 2010 and 2023, only discovered the financial discrepancies in February. He asserts that Sourasis did not act in his interest or good faith, and has failed to return any of the misappropriated funds.
Furthermore, Pendlebury claims he lent Sourasis $300,000 on March 15, 2023, with an initial agreement for immediate repayment. However, on March 22, the terms changed, extending the repayment period to six to twelve months, accompanied by interest. Pendlebury now alleges Sourasis has refused to repay the loan or any accrued interest.
Pendlebury’s legal action seeks the full recovery of the $2,148,900 in addition to interest, and demands restitution of any traceable proceeds from the alleged misappropriation. He also aims to reclaim the $300,000 loan with an exorbitant interest rate of 50 percent per year, starting from March 22, 2023.
“Scott Pendlebury has suffered significant loss and damages as a result of these actions,”
stated a source close to the case, emphasizing the profound impact on Pendlebury’s financial security.
As this legal battle unfolds, the AFL community is closely watching the developments. Pendlebury’s representatives and Sourasis have been approached for comments, but no statements have been released yet.
This shocking case raises critical questions about trust and financial management in professional sports. With Pendlebury’s career and reputation at stake, the urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. Fans and stakeholders alike are left wondering what implications this will have for Pendlebury’s future and the integrity of financial practices within the AFL.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as more details emerge from the courtroom.
