Didak's Wild Ride With Killer

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Alan Didak has been caught up in another unsavory incident due to his association with a member of the Hell's Angels motorcycle gang just days before the biker went on a shooting spree in downtown Melbourne in mid-June. Three people were shot, one fatally.   

Didak admitted to a chance meeting with biker Christopher Hudson, who had purchased a Collingwood membership, at a strip club in the notorious King Street red district. Didak was at the club several hours after the Magpies' Queen's Birthday game against Melbourne. He admitted to drinking heavily and then accepted an offer of a ride home from Hudson and several other bikers. During a wild ride through suburban Melbourne, shots were fired from the car at several locations. Didak said he did recall hearing the gun fire once, but doesn't recall any others as he had passed out in the back seat of the car. When police tried to intercept the car, they were also fired upon. The group eventually arrived at the bikers' clubhouse and they later dropped Didak off in another suburb from where Didak took a cab home. The next day, Didak joined teammates for their flight to Queensland for their midseason break. He did not mention the events of the previous night to anyone. Nor has been charged by police or disciplined by the club, which has labeled his actions a case of poor judgment.

Several days later, Hudson went on the downtown shooting spree, killing solicitor Brendan Keilar and injuring stripper Kara Douglas and Dutch backpacker Paul de Waard. Hudson surrendered two days later.   Didak, who said in a statement, that he did not come forward previously out of fear for his safety, finally told the club what had happened last week. Police contacted the club about questioning Didak, who has since been cooperating fully with authorities.

Collingwood CEO Gary Pert suggested that Didak may have been held against his will as one of the bikers insisted he go with them. Pert further stated that Didak became increasingly concerned for his safety and wanted to get out of the car but was unable to as he was in the back seat.   Didak faced the media several days ago, accompanied by Pert, stating he regretted the embarrassment he had caused for himself, his family, and the club.  

He may have escaped punishment this time, but the club has issued a stern warning that should Didak offend again, he will be sacked. Club president Eddie McGuire later said the club would review and amend Didak's contract, with Didak having to agree to a series of stringent rules over and above the current player code of conduct. He will also be required to undergo counseling for his behavior when drinking.  The following week, Didak was presented with, and accepted, the conditions. He is now on a strict curfew and has been forbidden to drink alcohol for the rest of the season. 

Moya Keilar, the mother of shooting victim Brendan, has slammed the club and Didak, saying her son might still be alive had Didak gone to the police immediately after the early morning ride. She is also angered at the club for not punishing Didak.  

Source: Melbourne Age & Herald Sun