Ricky Nixon, a disgraced AFL player agent, was arrested outside his Port Melbourne apartment on Thursday morning, April 17, 2025, after allegedly posting threats towards police on his Facebook account. The arrest unfolded dramatically as Nixon pleaded with officers to be "gentle" with him, citing an injured shoulder while he was handcuffed. According to reports from 7NEWS, he claimed that his account had been hacked.
The nature of the alleged threats was severe, with Nixon reportedly naming a serving police officer in a post where he declared he was "on a mission" to kill as many police officers as possible. In a shocking response to followers concerned about his wellbeing, he allegedly wrote, "No on a mission to leave as meany [sic] cop c***s dead," as reported by The Age.
Victoria Police confirmed Nixon's arrest, stating that he was taken into custody for questioning regarding the threatening posts. A police spokeswoman indicated that the investigation remains ongoing. The exact details of the threats, particularly the specific police officer mentioned, have not been disclosed.
Nixon, 62, has a long history of controversies that have tarnished his reputation. He played for Carlton, St Kilda, and Hawthorn during the 1980s and early 1990s before transitioning into a player management role. In the 1990s, he became a prominent figure in the AFL, managing high-profile players through his agency, Club 10. However, his career has been marred by numerous scandals.
Among the controversies, Nixon has faced serious allegations, including having an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old girl and pleading guilty to insulting an ex-partner. He has also been involved in the sale of allegedly fake football memorabilia. In June 2024, he was found guilty of unlawful assault and discharging a missile, stemming from an incident in March 2022 where he punched and kicked an Australia Post worker.
In addition to the recent arrest, Nixon is currently embroiled in legal battles over allegations of fraud related to the sale of fake premiership memorabilia. He faces ten counts of obtaining property by deception for selling footballs he claimed were signed by Melbourne Football Club players following their AFL premiership win in 2021. Each football was sold for $575, plus a $20 postage fee, and accompanied by authentication certificates, which are now under scrutiny.
During a chaotic court appearance in February 2025, Nixon clashed with magistrate Brett Sonnet over his plans to call 48 witnesses, including several AFL players, to testify in his defense. Sonnet expressed disbelief, stating, "I have never, ever heard of any defence calling 50-odd witnesses" in his extensive career in criminal law. The court warned Nixon that while it would accommodate a hearing, it would not allow proceedings to become a circus.
The case concerning the fake memorabilia is set to return to the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court in June 2025. Nixon's legal troubles extend beyond this case, as he may also face bankruptcy proceedings over an alleged $40,000 debt linked to a deal involving corporate hospitality tickets to the AFL grand final last year. Nixon has denied any wrongdoing regarding this debt, claiming it is only about $900.
The unfolding saga surrounding Nixon has attracted considerable media attention, not just for the nature of the allegations but also for the dramatic circumstances of his arrest. As a figure once celebrated in the AFL community, Nixon's fall from grace is notable. His past connections to high-profile players and his pioneering role as a player agent have been overshadowed by his repeated legal troubles and public controversies.
As the investigation into his recent threats continues, many are left wondering what the future holds for Nixon. His history of legal issues raises questions about accountability and the consequences of his actions, both in the sporting world and in the eyes of the law. With the court dates approaching and the public scrutiny intensifying, this latest chapter in Nixon's life serves as a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change.
