Australian rules football hero Lachie Neale has faced a public downfall after an affair with his wife’s best friend.
Betrayal of a Best Friend
Brisbane Lions captain Lachie Neale, 32, was caught in a car with Tess Crosley. Crosley is a former Mormon missionary and the best friend of Neale’s wife, Jules. The pair were reportedly caught in a clinch by another teammate’s partner. Jules described the secret affair as an “unimaginable betrayal” on social media. Reports suggest the tryst began more than three months ago.
End of a Seven-Year Marriage
The scandal led to the collapse of the Neales’ seven-year marriage. Jules, 35, moved 1,600 miles back to Perth with their two young children. She clarified that she is not “working through” things with her husband. “I have been betrayed in the most unimaginable way,” Jules wrote to her followers. The couple is now preparing to sell their $2.43 million Brisbane home.
Football Star Steps Down
On January 2, Neale publicly apologized for his off-field indiscretions. He resigned from his co-captaincy and leadership role at the Brisbane Lions. Neale admitted he let his family down and hurt those closest to him. However, he refused to address specific rumors about the cheating when asked. He is now living in a separate bachelor apartment in the city.
Impact on the Crosley Family
Tess Crosley has also stopped wearing her wedding ring since the news broke. Her husband, Ben, traveled to Bali with friends during the New Year. Police recently visited the Crosley home for a welfare check on December 30. Finally, Jules has unfollowed her husband and deleted their photos together online.
