BREAKING: Star Ovens and Murray footballer Brodie Filo faces a 21-month driving ban and a $1,500 fine following a shocking incident where he was caught riding an e-scooter with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.218. This alarming development occurred on May 18, 2023, when police intercepted Filo on an Edwards Street footpath in Wangaratta.
The Wangaratta Magistrates Court heard that Filo, who has a history of alcohol-related offenses including two previous drink-driving convictions, was found without a helmet and allegedly admitted to consuming “three stubbies” prior to riding the scooter. Magistrate Peter Dunn expressed serious concerns about Filo’s alcohol use, stating, “He’s got to have issues with alcohol,” emphasizing the potential dangers of his actions.
Filo had been drinking at an RSL during lunch earlier that day and had also consumed alcohol the night before. His lawyer, Chirag Patel, argued that Filo didn’t fully understand that drink-driving laws extend to e-scooters. However, Magistrate Dunn dismissed this claim, highlighting that many individuals never encounter legal troubles related to alcohol.
“It’s dangerous and he hasn’t got a helmet,” Dunn noted sharply. “What happens if he falls over and bangs his head? He could end up a drain on the public purse for the rest of his life.” His remarks reflect a growing concern about public safety and the responsibilities of athletes as role models.
Filo, who splits his time between playing football in Darwin and working as a plasterer and bricklayer in Wangaratta, showed no signs of accepting the severity of his situation. “He doesn’t drink every day,” Patel stated, but Dunn pointed out that binge drinking is still a significant issue. “He might not think it’s a problem, but it will catch up with him sooner or later,” Dunn warned.
The magistrate’s decision to impose the driving ban and fine underscores a critical message about accountability and the dangers of alcohol misuse. Filo, supported in court by Rovers co-president Wendy Lester, now faces an uphill battle to regain his standing both as an athlete and community member.
As discussions about alcohol culture in sports continue, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for responsible behavior, particularly among those in the public eye. With Filo’s future uncertain, many are left wondering how this will impact his career and reputation in the long run.
Authorities are urging other athletes to reflect on Filo’s situation as a cautionary tale. “Football clubs have strived for years to get away from the alcohol culture,” Dunn concluded. “This is just not the type of example they want.”
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the implications of Filo’s actions unfold in the coming weeks.
