Media jumped gun on Dusty claim: Rohan ConnollyJoshua Papanikolaou
SEN
14 Jan 2016Given the latest development in the story Rohan Connolly suggests that many media figures have been caught out assuming Martin was guilty of the allegations against him.
"There might be a few lessons here for some people in the media too, because i think this is one case where people shot out of the blocks pretty early," said Connolly on SEN radio.
"Why did the people who reported it automatically assume that the things they were told actually happened - I mean KB is the obvious one, he called for a 12-month suspension and that in retrospect is very wide of the mark.
"But at least KB is in a way connected, I'd raise more issues with certain commentators in the media who saw fit to completely shoot their mouths off and hang, draw and quarter him.
"Well, it's fairly comprehensive statement you often expect statements in these cases to be pretty short and sweet - but I guess they've appreciated how much interest there has been in the case."
Club chief executive Brendon Gale made the following statement regarding the issue:
“An allegation of threat to inflict serious injury was recently made against Dustin Martin.
“The Club’s position throughout has been to establish exactly what happened in relation to these serious allegations so we could properly determine a course of action.
“The Club has also been mindful of the complainant, and the nature of her allegation, and endeavoured to be supportive whenever she has been in contact with the Club.
“The Club welcomed the fact the matter was referred to Victoria Police. It was only right that claims of this nature were thoroughly scrutinised and the facts established.
“Ultimately, after a thorough investigation, the Victoria Police concluded no criminal offence took place.
“An AFL investigation also concluded that there was no evidence to support or corroborate the allegation.
"As a result, the Club will not sanction Dustin Martin in relation to this allegation as no threat to harm occurred.
“Nonetheless, the Club is disappointed that Dustin was intoxicated on the night. When challenged by the complainant for being disruptive, he was argumentative and used obscene language.
“He has acknowledged this and has apologised for any offence or distress his behaviour caused. His apology was accepted by the complainant.
“As a professional athlete Dustin enjoys a privileged lifestyle. With professionalism comes responsibility and we expect much better from our players and all personnel.
“As a result, Dustin will have a suspended sanction of $5000 imposed for a breach of the Player Code of Conduct.
“The allegations of threat to harm aired on Channel 7, and subsequently reported widely across the media, have been extremely distressing and damaging for Dustin, and of great concern to the Richmond Football Club.
“Richmond Football Club finds any threat of violence against women totally unacceptable and condemns such behaviour in the strongest possible terms.
“However, as with every other member of the community, Dustin was entitled to the presumption of innocence until this very serious allegation was fully investigated.”
http://www.sen.com.au/news/01-16/media-jumped-gun-on-dusty-claim-connolly#A78vRxfdygriWZY1.99