Over the years errant AFL players have made headlines for a variety of less than ideal reasons: phone scandals, getting drunk, betting rorts, breaking contracts.

Now Snapchat has claimed its first AFL scalp.

Oh snap

Carlton's Josh Bootsma this week became the first AFL player to be sacked following social media misuse.

Bootsma's contract was terminated after the young player allegedly posted explicit images on Snapchat that featured a teenage girl.

Following a report from the girl's mother, Carlton ended Bootsma's contract.

Lessons

The agreement was reached after discussion wit the AFL Players Association, and so far no players have spoken out against the ruling.

It's important to note this wasn't a once off.

Carlton's general manager of operations Andrew McKay revealed the club has had ongoing disciplinary issues with Bootsma for over a year, although the exact nature of these issues was not revealed. 

Social snafu

The ruling is significant for a number of reasons. Firstly, that even though Bootsma was ostensibly conducting his social activities during personal time, they cost him his contract.

Secondly, even on a platform like Snapchat, which prides itself on the fleeting, private nature of its messages, nothing is really safe – or secret. 

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