A probably career-ending ban from the AFL is imminent for troubled North Melbourne midfielder Tarryn Thomas over allegations of inappropriate behaviour in the direction of a girl.
But the league and the membership are refusing to substantiate whether or not a reported 18-week suspension has been settled upon and demand an AFL integrity unit (AFLIU) investigation stays ongoing.
Thomas, 23, has been beneath investigation from the AFLIU since final month after new home violence allegations had been made in opposition to him.
The Nine Network reported on Monday the AFL fee had ratified an 18-game ban.
No official announcement was anticipated on Monday night, with the Kangaroos and the AFL insisting the method was nonetheless ongoing.
But the investigation is clearly on the pointy finish of proceedings, with a call looming.
If Thomas shouldn’t be deregistered by the AFL, North will face a call on the midfielder’s future past the anticipated prolonged ban.
The Kangaroos have made it clear they’re awaiting the AFL’s resolution earlier than taking any additional steps.
The 23-year-old has been coaching away from North Melbourne for the reason that investigation began in January.
Thomas, who’s out of contract on the finish of the 2024 season, was stood down by the membership twice final 12 months, first in February after which March, amid issues over his behaviour in the direction of ladies.
He was put by way of a respect and duty schooling program and spent three weeks within the VFL earlier than later incomes a senior recall, in the end enjoying 12 AFL video games final 12 months.
When he returned to the VFL program, chief government Jennifer Watt stated the membership had “made it clear to Tarryn that the future of his playing career at North Melbourne is in his hands.”
In July 2023, Thomas walked free from courtroom with out a legal conviction for threatening to distribute intimate movies of his former companion.
He was initially charged with threatening to distribute an intimate picture of one other individual, however this was downgraded by prosecutors to utilizing a carriage service to harass somebody.
Thomas was granted a diversion, which meant he escaped a legal conviction, and was ordered to pay $1000 to charity.
Last April, North fined Thomas $5000 for a video he posted to social media that confirmed him behind the wheel of his Mercedes along with his ft on the dashboard because the car drifted between two lanes.
He was additionally required to donate an extra $5000 to a highway security charity.
The midfielder, drafted at decide No.8 within the 2018 nationwide draft, has performed 69 video games and kicked 56 targets in a profession interrupted by accidents and off-field points since his 2019 debut.
After kicking 11 targets in 12 video games final season, Thomas had been on the comeback path from groin surgical procedure late final 12 months.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
