Dustin Martin looks set to escape a match ban for his chopsticks controversySam Edmund
Herald Sun
January 14, 2016DUSTIN Martin will almost certainly escape a match ban as the AFL investigation into Chopstickgate appears set to clear him of a serious offence.
The Herald Sun has learned league investigators were unable to substantiate allegations that Martin threatened a woman with a chopstick at a Japanese restaurant last month.
Victoria Police already found the midfielder had no case to answer after reviewing CCTV footage and speaking to numerous witnesses.
It was likely Martin would instead be fined for being intoxicated in a public place and asked to leave Windsor eatery Mr Miyagi.
But he was expected to face Carlton in Richmond’s season-opener on March 24.
The AFL was expected to end to the saga with an announcement on Friday.
Martin reportedly arrived at the restaurant drunk after spending the day at the Stereosonic music festival.
He said in a statement released by the club: “Regrettably, I was intoxicated and that, in itself, is completely unacceptable.
Dustin Martin is expected to face Carlton in Round 1. Picture: Wayne Ludbey
“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.”
Richmond took Martin with pick No.3 in the 2009 national draft, telling the Herald Sun he was “born to play AFL”.
But for all the headaches he has given to the opposition on the field, he also has given the Tigers a few with his wayward lifestyle.
In 2012 he was suspended for two weeks for failing to attend training along with close friend Daniel Connors, who was sacked for the indiscretion.
Martin twice has been fined by the AFL for handcuff and “two-finger salute” goal celebrations, while in 2014 he was suspended from driving for two months for driving while suspended.
Martin was named in the All-Australian squad in 2014 and last year, but failed to make the final teams.
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