When a Tasmanian woman told the local football club she’d been raped (allegedly) by Bracknell Football Club coach Joshua Leigh Adams, she expected the coach to be stood down and that she would be treated with care and consideration.
Instead she was told by a key club executive that ‘Home and Away has better plots’ among other offensive retorts.
The woman had to leave the state while Adams – who is accused of raping her three times – continued in his coaching role for more than a year.
In that time he appeared in media articles about suicide prevention, was shown on social media and spoke on the Tassie Rules football show.
The woman and her partner were staying overnight at Adams’ home in 2025. She woke to him allegedly raping her.
A few weeks ago investigators confirmed Adams was charged with three counts of rape.
The victim told the football club what had happened because she wanted to ensure other women were safe.
At that time Nicole Jones was the club secretary – she has since been appointed president.
Jones’ response to the allegations is frightening familiar.
In messages to the victim and the victim’s mum, Jones made the following statements:
“Innocent until proven guilty.”
“Not interested in this bullshit.”
“I’m not interested in these pathetic games you are both playing.
“Slander is a real thing so I suggest she stops now”
“One minute it’s rape the next minute she’s pregnant to …”
“Everyone in Bracknell and involved in the footy club knows, admires and respects Josh”.
“Don’t think anyone can believe somebody who says they were raped one week then all of a sudden pregnant to … then furthermore the pregnancy is no longer.”
“Home and Away has better plots.”
The club has just confirmed Adams will not be coaching next year. It is not known if this is because of the charges or if it is for other reasons.
FOOTBALL CLUB PRESIDENT’S RESPONSE AFTER ALLEGED RAPE DISCLOSURE
