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Jon Patton hospitalised amid investigation into lewd behaviour

Hawthon's Jon Patton has been taken to hospital to seek treatment for his mental health. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Hawthon's Jon Patton has been taken to hospital to seek treatment for his mental health. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Hawthorn's Jonathon Patton is in hospital as the AFL Integrity Unit investigate allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct by the key forward on social media.

Patton's management confirmed the 27-year-old is in hospital to receive treatment for his mental health.

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"We can confirm that Jonathon Patton has been admitted to hospital to assist in the management of his ongoing mental health," Connor Sports Management told the Seven Network.

"We hope that Jonathon's privacy is respected at this time."

Patton was stood down from all duties by the Hawks earlier in the week after multiple women claimed he sent them explicit messages and photos without consent.

The 2011 No.1 draft pick denied these accusations and has since deleted all of his social media accounts.

Hawthorn CEO Justin Reeves addressed the matter in a letter to members posted on the club's website, in which he confirmed the AFL's direct involvement in the investigation.

"This is a difficult time for all involved and it is important our club ensures that Jonathon receives the support he requires during this period," Reeves said.

"We take this matter very seriously and our Integrity Committee is working in conjunction with the AFL's Integrity Unit to undertake the investigation into these complaints within the framework of the AFL's Respect and Responsibility Policy.

"We anticipate this process will take some time and we will provide a further update when more information is available."

Jon Patton accuser speaks out after allegations

Patton has vehemently denied the allegations against him, as reported by the Herald Sun.

One of the women who claims Patton sent her unsolicited text messages of a "sexual nature" that were "never reciprocated", spoke with Channel Nine about her alleged interactions with the player.

Elle Coonan claims among other things that Patton sent her photos of himself exposed in bed and says he asked her to travel from Brisbane to Melbourne in the middle of the COVID-19 lockdown so that they could meet up.

“From the get-go he was talking to me in such a sexual nature that I never reciprocated — he would send me photos of him in bed exposed," she told Nine News, adding that she made it "really clear that I didn’t want that from him”.

Coonan told the Daily Mail that she "didn’t sleep for over 40 hours" after going public with her allegations against Patton, whom she claims "wanted to see me in heels and kiss my feet".

“At times I regretted coming forward and wished I kept my mouth shut … but I know I did the right thing," she said.

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