I suspect there is still a lot that has not come out in relation to this, but given that the girl has asked the investigation be dropped and that she had engaged Maurice and Blackburn to represent her, something just doesn't seem right. I am definitely in the cynic camp on the validity of the accusation but it is only based on assumption, not fact.
The thing is, the Police dropping their investigation has given both the AFL and Richmond a free kick on this.
I don't think they will hang the player out to dry, but they would both be mad not to take the opportunity to use this as a way of educating players. Let's face it, regardless of what actually transpired, there are some pretty salient lessons to be learnt for AFL players out of this.
If nothing else, I think this case underlines just how quickly things might go pear shaped if players aren't really careful and think hard before doing. One minute you are a Premiership player, the next you are the subject of a Police investigation that could possibly bring charges (according to the media) that might attract a 2 year jail sentence. One minute you are celebrating a massive team achievement, and the next, rightly or wrongly, the focus is being taken off that achievement which effects not only you, but your team mates, the club and even to some extent its supporters.
It is called trial by media, and regardless of whether it is right or wrong, it is a reality.
