KURT Tippett has blamed the Adelaide Crows for the salary cap scandal that has plunged his career into turmoil.
Tippett was banned for the first 11 rounds of the 2013 premiership season and will not be able to take part in the pre-season competition, AdelaideNow reports.
The full punishment was a 22-match ban, but 11 of those games were suspended. On top of that he was hit with a $50,000 fine.
Tippett said in a statement he had pleaded guilty "without any admission of liability" and placed all blame with the Crows.
The 25-year-old said it was only during October's trade period that he learnt that his agreements with Adelaide contravened AFL rules.
"I trusted the Adelaide Football Club and for the duration of my contract I did my utmost for the club on and off the field," Tippett said.
"It is bitterly disappointing, then, to learn that my trust and best endeavours have been to my substantial detriment.
"I have nothing to hide and have only refrained from media comment in recent weeks on legal advice and out of respect for the AFL investigation process.
"Through my legal representative, I asked for an open hearing today in the hope that the truth would be revealed.
"I pleaded guilty to the two charges on advice without any admission of liability and despite being assured there were valid defences available to me in respect to both charges.
Read more at AdelaideNow.
