Richmond's Dustin Martin to avoid major punishment Jon Pierik and Caroline Wilson
The Age
January 14, 2016Richmond's Dustin Martin looks certain to line up in round one against Carlton after being cleared of any serious wrong-doing by an AFL investigation.
Martin was accused of threatening of a woman with a chopstick at a Japanese restaurant last month but Victoria Police found he had no case to answer while completing its investigation.
Fairfax Media understands that initial allegations aimed at Martin could also not be substantiated by AFL investigators. The league's review was completed last week.
Dustin Martin will train as usual until the investigation into his alleged misbehaviour is completed.
AFL counsel Andrew Dillon is expected to put an end to the saga by Friday after consultation with the Tigers.
Martin could still face a fine or a pre-season penalty but will not miss home-and-away games, as first suggested.
Both the club and the AFL have deliberately delayed announcing the findings due to the timing of the Court of Arbitration for Sport's verdict against the 34 Essendon players.
Martin was reportedly intoxicated after spending the day at the Stereosonic music festival and had been dining at Windsor restaurant Mr Miyagi when he allegedly became angry after the 30-year-old Sydney woman told him to calm down.
He later said in a statement released by the club: "Regrettably, I was intoxicated and that, in itself, is completely unacceptable.
"I do, however, take responsibility for my behaviour and I am deeply embarrassed.
"If anything I have said or done has caused anyone to feel threatened, then that is totally inappropriate."
Martin also apologised to the woman.
Victoria Police released a statement three days before Christmas, revealing that "after reviewing CCTV footage and speaking to all parties involved, including numerous independent witnesses at the restaurant on the night, investigators determined that no criminal offence took place".
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