AFL player investigated over lewd message claims

Sat, 9 Jan 2021, 8:43 pm·3-min read

Hawthorn forward Jonathon Patton is being investigated by the Hawks after allegedly sending lewd images to a woman. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Hawthorn have opened up an investigation into Jonathon Patton after allegations surfaced of inappropriate behaviour on social media.

Patton reportedly sent lewd images to a woman over social media, with the Hawks addressing the matter with the injury-prone forward after becoming aware of the allegations.

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"The allegations are of behaviour that does not reflect the values and standards of Hawthorn Football Club," Hawthorn said in a statement on Saturday.

"As soon as the club became aware of the allegations it addressed the matter with Patton directly and clearly communicated that any behaviour of this nature would not be tolerated.

"The club takes these allegations seriously and has referred the matter to Hawthorn's Integrity Committee.

"Hawthorn advocates for equality and respect for everyone and demands this same behaviour from all involved with the club."

Patton has endured a horror run on the injury front since being drafted by GWS with pick No.1 in the 2011 national draft.

The 27-year-old, who has undergone three knee reconstructions, played 89 games over eight injury-ravaged seasons at the Giants, before being traded to Hawthorn at the end of 2019 for a future fourth-round selection.

Patton played six games for the Hawks in a 2020 season where he suffered a hamstring injury and then later a torn plantaris tendon in his leg.

Next season is shaping up as somewhat of a make-or-break year for Patton, whose best year came in 2017 when he kicked 45 goals.

Richmond coach’s new relationship no issue for club

Three-time AFL premiership coach Damien Hardwick's relationship with a member of Richmond's administration staff has been approved by the club.

The 48-year-old confirmed in December he had split with wife Danielle, with whom he has three children.

There has been speculation in recent days a new relationship between Hardwick and a female member of the Tigers' commercial sales team could put pressure on the long-time coach's position, which he has held since 2010.

But Richmond released a statement on Monday declaring the new relationship is not in breach of club policy.

Damien Hardwick's relationship with a member of club administration staff has gone pub lic, following the reveal of his and wife Danielle's split in December. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/AFL Photos/via Getty Images) — Damien Hardwick's relationship with a member of club administration staff has gone public, following the reveal of his and wife Danielle's split in December. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

"The club is aware that coach Damien Hardwick is currently in a relationship with a member of the club's administration staff," the statement read.

"The club has no concerns with this under club policy.

"Beyond this, it is a private matter and we ask that privacy be respected."

Hardwick, who led Richmond to a third flag in four years during a turbulent 2020 campaign, is on an extended off-season break away from the club.

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