Tarryn Thomas takes leave, Kangaroos response to ‘harrowing’ allegations condemned
2 min read
North Melbourne young gun Tarryn Thomas will take leave from the club in the wake of fresh allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
Thomas was charged in January with threatening to distribute an intimate image, and was also stopped by police for allegedly driving with a suspended licence over the Christmas break.
On Wednesday, News Corp published claims that a number of other women have made complaints to the AFL that have now been referred to police.
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« Tarryn Thomas will take time away from the club after the AFL’s integrity unit informed North Melbourne of a new allegation of inappropriate behaviour on Wednesday afternoon, » the Kangaroos said in a statement.
« In light of this new information, Thomas will remain away from the club while the AFL gathers further information about the allegations.
« In the meantime, Thomas will be expected to meet his obligations around his respectful behaviour training and education program, as outlined in club correspondence earlier today. »
In an earlier statement, Kangaroos president president Sonja Hood said the club was taking the allegations seriously.
But the club’s response has been criticised by AFL commentator Kane Cornes, who said the allegations make for « harrowing reading ».
« If 20 per cent of what is alleged turns out to be accurate, Thomas should never play in the AFL again, » Cornes told SEN.
« Multiple women have accused him of harassing, threatening and intimidating them. »
Cornes said the club should have taken action long before now.
« North and the AFL have been aware of these allegations for some time, » he said.
« Remarkably, North only responded (on Wednesday). Shockingly, it took a front-page article to emerge before addressing the matter with the club’s members and football supporters.
« Club president Sonja Hood preferred the ease of a written statement rather than the several media requests to address the grave allegations. »
Cornes said Hood’s statement was « weak and left many unanswered questions ».
« Why did the club and the AFL wait months before addressing them? » he asked.
« Why did it only feel necessary to respond upon the story becoming public?
« Why did new captain Luke McDonald speak so glowingly of Thomas just last week, throwing his support behind him and calling him a great kid? I wonder how it made the alleged victims feel hearing that?
« Last week I called North Melbourne hypocrites for not sanctioning and condemning the behaviour of Thomas. One week later, I stand entirely by that statement. »
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