Thomas prepares for day of reckoning ahead of AFL investigation
Tarryn Thomas has given an indication that his time with North Melbourne could be over.The club stood down the First Nations talent nearly four weeks ago for the third time in his career, asking him a...nit.com.au
Tarryn Thomas has given an indication that his time with North Melbourne could be over.
The club stood down the First Nations talent nearly four weeks ago for the third time in his career, asking him also to train away from teammates while the AFL continued to conduct its investigation into further allegations of his inappropriate behaviour.
The AFL Integrity Unit interviewed Thomas on January 29, but that had been delayed for nearly a fortnight until he was in the presence of legal representation.
The probe into new claims of intimidating another woman appears on track to finish this week, and the length of the case that began several weeks ahead of the Kangaroo midfielder speaking to the AFL suggests the integrity unit will deliver a harsh penalty.
But the Lumaranatana and Kamilaroi man may be prepared to expect the worse.
Thomas reportedly has already removed a number of references in regard to his AFL career across multiple social media platforms.
He got rid of any mention of North Melbourne Football Club from his Instagram bio in addition to unfollowing the club in recent days.
The same also occurred on Thomas's Twitter account, including deleting multiple images from his past three seasons.
The Kangaroos, however, at this stage until after the AFL investigation is revealed at least, has not stopped following Thomas online that could be a sign that the club did not want to pre-empt the final outcome.
Thomas has already removed the famous Nike swoosh since the multinational giant purportedly dropped him as a client last year.
Days before the fresh allegations were made public, Thomas wrote on Instagram: "People will talk down on you, just to say they got the one up".
The 23-year-old was soon thereafter accused of making a serious threat to a woman.
Tarryn Trindall, Thomas' legal name, landed in court last year for threatening to distribute an intimate image of his ex-partner. That charge was later withdrawn without conviction after prosecutors downgraded the offence to using a carriage service to harass, while the court granted him a diversion and a fine of $1000 to donate to charity
After the club suspended Thomas twice last year, North's senior officials requested he attend a respect and responsibility education program to learn how to change his behaviour towards women.
The former North Launceston prodigy, who made his senior debut in the Tasmanian State League at just 15, has also been arrested for breaking court orders against his 2023 partner after police searched his phone for the alleged video.
The National Indigenous Times is not suggesting that North Melbourne, nor the AFL, will terminate the contract of Thomas. But should the allegations be proven again, the AFL may be forced to suspend Thomas given his ongoing issues and the administration's strong stance on respecting women.
At this stage, no police investigation or criminal charges have taken place
Absolute
.Hopefully he’s in breach of contract and he doesn’t get another dime out of the NMFC.
