North Melbourne has issued a public statement indicating it won’t take disciplinary action against star player Tarryn Thomas despite “confronting allegations” published by the Herald Sun this week that he threatened and harassed a number of women.
Key points:
- Tarryn Thomas was charged by police earlier this month with one count of threatening to distribute an intimate image
- The AFL said it had offered support to anyone who had come forward with an allegation after reports said a number of women came forward
- North Melbourne said it takes “any allegation of threats of violence against women extremely seriously”
A story published on Thursday in the Herald Sun claimed multiple women had contacted the AFL with allegations of Thomas’s intimidating behaviour.
The AFL said it had reached out to some women in light of the new information contained in the story.
In response to the “serious and confronting allegations” in the story, president Dr Sonja Hood has written to members.
“We take any allegation of threats of violence against women extremely seriously,” Dr Hood wrote.
“The club was aware of formal allegations made against Tarryn during 2022 that were investigated by the AFL’s Integrity Unit. Tarryn and the club co-operated fully with those investigations.
“The advice provided by the AFL following these incidents was that Tarryn should undertake training and education to deal with his behavioural issues.”
The ABC is not suggesting any of the allegations against Thomas are true.
Dr Hood said Thomas has begun a club program involving respectful relationships education, working with psychologists and community outreach.
Last month, 22-year-old Thomas was charged with a single count of threatening to distribute an intimate image.
“Should any further investigation arise from new information, the club and Tarryn will co-operate fully, as we did in the wake of those initial allegations,” Dr Hood continued.
“It’s also important to acknowledge that Tarryn is still to face a matter before the courts and as such we won’t be making any comment about that particular case.
“Subject to any further investigations, the club will await the outcome of the court proceedings before confirming our next course of action.”
Earlier, the AFL said it had offered support to anyone who had come forward with an allegation.
“The AFL has investigated all formal complaints where appropriate,” it said in a statement.
“Tarryn Thomas is currently the subject of criminal charges over a reported incident and while that matter is yet to be finalised in court, the AFL will continue to work with NMFC and Victoria Police and will monitor the outcome of the police action.”
Thomas trained with his teammates at Arden Street today as the club prepares for the season to start in March.
In February, Thomas signed a two year contract extension that will last until the end of 2024.
He made his AFL debut in 2019 after being taken at pick number eight.
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