'Not pursuing the charge': Massive twist in Jordan De Goey arrest
Jordan De Goey has had a charge of 'forcible touching' against him dropped after his arrest in the US.
The Collingwood player pleaded not guilty to forcible touching and assault charges on Sunday and is due to face court again in the United States on December 8.
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In a statement from the New York Police Department seen by AAP, De Goey was charged with forcible touching - grabbing private areas outside of clothing without permission - of a 35-year-old female.
De Goey was also charged with allegedly punching and kicking the woman's 37-year-old male friend, who came to her assistance.
However in a massive development, the forcible touching charge has since been dropped.
Michael Genovese from Channel Nine reported the news from the United States on Tuesday.
"Jordan De Goey is no longer accused of ‘forcible touching’. He faces no charges relating to a 35yo female," Genovese tweeted.
"Police initially said De Goey grabbed 'private areas outside of clothing without permission or authority' at a New York hotel.
"But prosecutors aren’t pursing the charge."
Breaking: Jordan De Goey is no longer accused of ‘forcible touching’. He faces no charges relating to a 35yo female.
Police initially said De Goey grabbed “private areas outside of clothing without permission or authority” at a New York hotel. 1/2— Michael Genovese (@GenoveseMichael) November 1, 2021
But prosecutors aren’t pursing the charge.
Is still due in NY court Dec 8 charged with assault and harassment of a 37yo old man. Has pleaded not guilty. 2/2— Michael Genovese (@GenoveseMichael) November 1, 2021
The former first-round draft pick was arrested by police inside the Dream Hotel at 2.44am on Saturday morning local time, after the alleged incident at PHD Rooftop Lounge.
De Goey's friend Luke Dyson is also facing a forcible touching charge, as well as allegedly striking the man in the face with a glass.
De Goey spent several hours in a holding cell, before being released from custody after pleading not guilty to all charges.
Jordan De Goey stood down by Collingwood
Collingwood acted swiftly to the charges being laid and on Sunday stood down De Goey from club duties indefinitely.
He was approached by reporters after leaving court but declined to answer any questions.
De Goey has played 118 games and kicked 155 goals for the Magpies after debuting in 2015.
He finished fourth in the club's best-and-fairest award this year.
De Goey is out-of-contract at the next season and was setting himself to earn a new career-defining deal.
Only last month, Collingwood football boss Graham Wright spoke about how the Magpies were keen to secure De Goey - and other stars Darcy Moore and Brayden Maynard - on long-term contracts.
De Goey travelled to the US during the off-season to undergo an intensive fitness program in California as he attempted to capitalise on an outstanding end to the 2021 season.
The explosive midfielder-forward was only able to leave Australia under a permit due to his sponsorship and work arrangements with Monster Energy.
It is unclear if the Collingwood dynamo will be allowed to return to Australia in the meantime, but Covid-19 restrictions could make that difficult.
with AAP
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