Steven May has been suspended by Melbourne after having a fight with a teammate while drinking when he shouldn’t.
Melbourne has suspended Steven May for having a “fight” with teammate Jake Melksham while drinking.
The key defender was out of action according to AFL concussion protocols and the club said he was aware he should not have drunk.
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The Herald Sun reports that the altercation between May and Melksham took place on Sunday night at Melbourne’s luxury Entrecote restaurant, where team members were having dinner.
A witness told the publication that the couple began “fighting” before the disagreement “spilled over.”
“After dinner on Sunday evening, Jake and Steven informed us of a fight that took place after a disagreement between the couple intensified,” Melbourne said in a statement.
“Both Jake and Steven had been drinking at dinner and are incredibly remorseful that things have turned out the way they did.
“Since Steven is still under the AFF’s 11-round concussion protocols, he was aware that according to the club’s guidelines he should not have drunk.
“The leadership group has recommended that a one-match ban be imposed on Steven, a decision that has been endorsed by the club’s wider management. This will make him unavailable to both the AFL and the VFL.
“Steven and Jake will also complete community service through one of the club’s community members to make sure they understand the responsibility and impact they have as role models within the community.
“Over the last three years, Steven has become one of our most important leaders in the field, and while the impact of not having him available for selection is significant, which is most significant for us. it is our culture and the commitment we have to live by our values.
“Steven is extremely remorseful and accepts that his actions were completely out of line with the expectations that the club and his teammates have of him. He accepts the sanction imposed and does not make excuses for his bad judgment.
“We are proud of the culture we have built over the last few years, and while we are disappointed with Steven’s behavior, we are returning to his character and supporting him to make sure he is armed to make better decisions for him and for the advancing football club. ”
The suspension means May will miss the long-awaited Demons contest against Collingwood on the Queen’s birthday next Monday.
It’s not the first time May has been called the Demons in relation to drinking. After making the switch during the 2018 Gold Coast Suns low season, May came out of shape and was hampered by injuries in his first season with Melbourne.
In the middle of a faint 2019 season, the now Premiership defender was caught drinking on a Sunday afternoon. while recovering from an injury.
May, who was in rehab at the time, is believed to have spent Sunday afternoon at Richmond’s “Harlow” bar from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., at which time he consumed several pints. Days later he presented himself to the playgroup to apologize for his actions.
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