Benny Gale's full press conference:
WATCH HERE: https://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/1357475/brendon-gale-press-conference--------------------------
Gale said the club would continue to support Pickett and “work on the presumption he’s innocent”.
“It came as a bit of a shock,” Gale said.
“These are allegations. We’re going to operate on the presumption he’s innocent and justice will run its course. We think the best thing for him is to be back here, working hard.
“It’s been a big week, he spent one night in remand, he’s been to Perth and back, the emotional burden has been significant.
“He’s a very resilient character but not withstanding we have the bye next week and we felt that one or two weeks, it’s a watch, but we think that’s an appropriate amount of time for things to settle down.
“He’ll prepare with the team, he’ll train, he’ll be turning up and engaging, which we think is really important for him to do that at this stage and we fully expect him to play against Brisbane in two weeks time.”
Gale said Pickett would be back because there was “no better place” for him to be as he dealt with the issues that could take significant time, even years, to resolve.
The Richmond boss lauded Pickett as an “inspiration” for turning his life around after a previous two-year stint in jail before making it to the AFL.
“Nothing has come easy, but through the force of his will, against all the odds, through the love of his family and the care of football clubs, he’s turned his life around,” Gale said.
“He’s had to overcome a lot of challenges, some many of us could never imagine.
“He’s been an inspiration to me, to many.”
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/tigers-make-call-on-pickett-after-court-shock-as-fresh-details-of-allegations-emerge/news-story/f54d3e507b7d982ecdb38758f36c114c
