Gold Coast Suns punch-up at LA nightclub may have been sparked by arrival of Rihanna Andrew Hamilton
From: News Limited Network
November 29, 2013 AN attempt by Gold Coast Suns player Steven May to get Rihanna's autograph at a Los Angeles nightclub may have sparked the chain of events that led to May having his jaw allegedly broken by teammate Campbell Brown.
It's the latest bizarre twist in a story that has Brown's AFL career hanging by a thread as his club decides whether or not to to sack him.
Brown stands accused of punching May at an LA nightclub after the club's training trip to Arizona. May has a broken jaw and will go into hospital on Friday.
According to sources, Suns players were at Bootsy Bellows in West Hollywood when they were asked to leave because Rihanna and her entourage were arriving after the pop star's concert.
May was allegedly trying to force his way back in to get an autograph when an attempt was made to stop him by Hawthorn's Josh Gibson, who was also present.
It is understood that after May verbally abused Gibson, Brown stepped in and allegedly punched him.
The Suns have refuted claims made on Thursday that the argument between the pair erupted over a restaurant bill.
There have also been reports May said something deeply personal to Brown which triggered the attack.
Club CEO Travis Auld said in initial discussions with May and Brown neither party had mentioned any personal insults that may have provoked Brown.
Nor was the club aware of any long-running feud between the pair.
"We have just got to find out who was there, then we can start to make sense of what happened,'' he said.
"All we know at the moment is they were both drinking, something has flared up and Steve May has a broken jaw.''
Auld has also refuted speculation coach Guy McKenna was with the group.
It is understood McKenna was in LA but had not gone out drinking.
Auld said a full investigation would take place over the next four days, including interviews with five other players who were present and also the coaching staff.
Auld said the finding on the investigation would be presented to the Suns' board.
Brown is not allowed to return to training until the board meets.
"Because it is an issue that has ramifications on our brand the board will be involved,'' he said.
Read more at: http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/gold-coast-suns-punchup-at-la-nightclub-may-have-been-sparked-by-arrival-of-rihanna/story-fndv8hfz-1226770575834
