North Melbourne president Sonja Hood says Tarryn Thomas was “out of chances” in explaining the decision to axe the troubled player in an emotional letter to members and supporters.
It was confirmed Thomas had been sacked by the Kangaroos and banned from playing in the 2024 AFL season in addition to the AFL’s monster 18-match suspension to the 23-year old due to multiple accusations of inappropriate behaviour towards women dating back to last year.
The league said Thomas would be required to undertake a behavioural change program before he’s allowed to return to football at any level beyond his 18-game ban from July 22, 2024 onwards.
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In a letter released to fans soon after the former Pick 8’s hefty penalty emerged on Thursday afternoon, Hood detailed the club’s bold call to cancel his contract months before it was officially due to expire.
“Right now, like many of our North Melbourne people, I’m feeling a range of emotions – frustration, anger, disappointment but overall, sadness,” Hood began in the letter.
“This wasn’t a decision based on emotion – it was driven by incontrovertible, uncontested facts – but I want to be clear it wasn’t, and isn’t, easy.
“At North Melbourne we have a proud and long history of supporting our people, even in the face of external criticism.”
Hood noted North tried to address Thomas’ behaviour concerns that had existed for “some time” – with accusations first emerging last year that saw him stood down by the club and put on a behaviour improvement program.
But when more claims of inappropriate treatment towards a woman were made to the AFL, Hood said the club was left with no choice but to cut ties with Thomas.
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“Our duty of care to Tarryn and to the wider community meant we chose to work with him to address his behaviours, particularly in regard to his treatment of women,” she said.
“It’s why we accepted our responsibility to seek help for him. It was a complex and difficult situation but we were all united in our determination to get the best outcomes for Tarryn and those around him.
“Tarryn came back to the club midway through last year pledging to be better.
“We are all bitterly disappointed that he has relapsed. And he is now out of chances.
“Last year he was afforded the privilege of doing his intensive education and rehabilitation programs within the structure of our footy club.
“From here he’ll have to find that structure elsewhere.”
Hood said the club would continue to work with the AFL, Players Association, his manager and support network to ensure he gets the help he needs, but emphasised he “won’t play for the North Melbourne Football Club again.”
Hood added: “Out of respect for her privacy I won’t say anything about the woman who brought these allegations to the AFL other than to commend her bravery and the dignity with which she has handled herself throughout this process. She deserved better.”
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