Stephen Milne has left a meeting with St Kilda board members happy with how the AFL club is treating him as he faces rape charges, says teammate Nick Dal Santo.
The veteran forward reportedly received an assurance at Thursday’s meeting that he will play again in the AFL.
A group of Saints players and coach Scott Watters met board members to clarify Milne’s future, a day after the club announced an indefinite suspension for the forward.
The Saints stood down Milne on Wednesday, after Victoria Police charged him with four counts of rape.
Milne was assured during Thursday’s meeting that his decorated AFL career was not over, according to The Age website.
Dal Santo, one of those who attended the meeting, said players had been left unsatisfied by the initial explanation for Milne’s suspension they received from a board member on Wednesday.
“We needed some more clarity on that and I think we walked away still asking some questions,” Dal Santo told the Nine Network’s AFL Footy Show on Thursday night.
“We went to the club today, 18 of the senior boys which included Milney (and met) three board directors and the senior coach again.
“We went through it and we walked away understanding exactly what it’s about.
“Milney was happy with the decision and where it’s heading and so were we.”
Dal Santo, who along with Saints captain Nick Riewoldt will play his 250th AFL game on Saturday against Melbourne, said he was disappointed Milne wouldn’t be part of it.
He said it had been a tough week for all of the players and coaching staff.
“I would have loved Steve to play in mine and also Nick Riewoldt’s 250th game this weekend,” Dal Santo said.
“It’s obviously very disappointing.
“But with that, I understand the club’s decision, fully support what they’ve decided to do.
“At the end of the day, it’s about Milney’s welfare.”
The Saints have cancelled a planned media conference for Dal Santo and Riewoldt.
The pair were originally scheduled to speak to the media on Wednesday.
When it emerged that Milne had been charged, that media conference was rescheduled for Friday.
But on Thursday night, the Saints announced the pair would not be made available and Watters would speak on Friday instead.
Milne’s manager Tom Petroro also released a statement on Thursday through the AFL Players’ Association, pleading for his client’s privacy to be respected.
“Stephen is taking the legal matter very seriously and has engaged lawyers to represent him to contest the charges,” Petroro said.
“Like every citizen, he is entitled to the presumption of innocence.
“It is requested that the privacy of Stephen, his wife and his family be respected during this time.”
Jason von Stieglitz
Roar Rookie
I think that this situation has been dealt with in an appropriate manner by the St Kilda Football Club and AFL. It is obviously a very complicated situation and I have no doubt that it was appropriate for Milne to be stood down from playing as the news of his charges became known. He will obviously have a lot to deal with and playing football would only make that more difficult. Not to mention the fact that by playing he would be put in a position to no doubt receive inappropriate abuse from opposition fans. There is also the alleged victim to consider - standing down Milne for a period of time gives acknowledgment to what she is going through which I am sure is an extremely difficult time. I like the fact that St Kilda have managed this situation in a way that has paid appropriate deference to the seriousness of the situation but also gives them the ability to bring Milne back into the game once it is deemed appropriate - he is innocent until proven guilty after all.
Gezza
Guest
Is this a csae of the tail wagging the dog? These are very serious charges to be answered here and I know of plenty of workplaces that would be uncomfortable if they were in a similar situation St Kilda's form in simialar circumstances indicate a preference for upholding the reputatioin of the club rather than that of the indivual Everyone is entitled to the presumption of innocence, however there are more issues than just this one. Are not victims entitled to their rights as well?
Franko
Guest
Very different reaction to Andrew Lovett from the Saints: “The former footballer said he felt his then St Kilda teammates treated him harshly by accusing him straight away and that was why he left the apartment. "That's when I got a bit defensive ... I thought I was a bit harsh done by. Everyone was all saying stuff and saying, you know, 'How could you bring the club down like this?' and all that kinda jazz. http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/jury-finds-lovett-not-guilty-of-rape-charges-20110725-1hwii.html
Franko
Guest
“I would have loved Steve to play in mine and also Nick Riewoldt’s 250th game this weekend,” Dal Santo said These guys are having a tough time understanding the gravity of the situation. It’s not an accusation, or a suspicion, it’s a charge. Four of them in fact, for rape.