North Melbourne footballer Majak Daw has been charged by the Victorian Police with three counts of rape for an alleged incident that occurred in 2007.
A spokesperson from Victoria Police confirmed that charges had been laid against a 23-year-old man from Wyndham Vale.
The spokesperson went on to state: “The charges relate to an alleged historical assault in Altona North in 2007. As the matter is before the courts, Victoria Police will not be making any further comment.”
It is being reported that Daw has denied the allegations.
In a statement on their website, the North Melbourne Football Club confirmed the charges against Daw.
The club also indicated that the troubled star would continue to play while the legal proceedings played out.
“The club respects the integrity of the legal process and asks the right to privacy of all involved be respected.
“North Melbourne will support Majak and he will remain available for selection at VFL and AFL level.
“This is the subject of an ongoing legal proceeding and it is not appropriate for Majak or North Melbourne to make any comment.”
The AFL’s General Counsel, Andrew Dillon has said the AFL supported the initial response from the Club to the charges being laid.
“This is a very serious matter and it is being treated very seriously by the Club and the AFL,” Mr Dillon said.
“It is now important that the legal process be allowed to run its course. The AFL acknowledges the importance of the presumption of innocence in this case and also the need to treat all parties with respect and understanding.
“Given the specific circumstances of the case, the AFL has determined that the player remains available for selection. However, we will monitor the case and reserve the right to take action under our rules if deemed appropriate.”
Daw’s managment, Elite Sport Properties, released a statement indicating they would support Daw throughout the legal process.
“He is entitled to a presumption of innocence and we would ask that this and the right to privacy of all involved be respected.
“Majak Daw will be supported through the process by ESP and his legal representatives.”
After being drafted to North Melbourne in 2009, Daw made his debut in the 2013 preseason competition. Since then he has struggled to hold a regular spot in the Kangaroos lineup, kicking 14 goals in 10 appearances.
As the AFL’s first Sudanese-Australian player, Daw’s short career has been marred by incidents relating to racial abuse against him.
The North Melbourne Kangaroos have declined to comment further at this stage.
AdamG
Guest
Nothing racist about his comment. Nic Nat has been hyped up exactly the same as Daw, its just that Daw has underacheved more than the underacheiving Nic Nat. Can you name any "white" ruckman that get talked up as much as these 2?
BigAl
Guest
dont know whats happening with the system at the mo...?, but my prev comment - BigAl said | July 3rd 2014 @ 2:25pm was a reply to - mahonjt said | July 1st 2014 @ 1:56pm Shouldn't probably bother with this, as it should be clear to all, where he's coming from
BigAl
Guest
No mate, the issue here, right here, is that you just don't like the AFL or anything to do with it.
BigAl
Guest
I can just see how disappointed you are over the fact that all this is alleged to have happened when he was 16? and had no links to the AFL s
BigAl
Guest
Of course everyone everyone should be " waiting for the courts?", but I'm afraid I agree with much of what Bosk says ! And I say this as an Aussie rules fan who has been watching his progress with great interest, hoping he would succeed, and have indeed spent time watching more than a few of his games vocally wishing him on and just hoping the ball would bounce his way. But unfortunately for all concerned, I don't think it's going to work - so many parallels with Israel Folau...
deccas
Guest
which is pretty normal in a rape case. I believe it has fairly significant impacts on people perceptions of their efficacy which often prevents prompt reporting. Especially if the alleged victim close to Daw's age, it seems normal for it to take 7 years. Its in the hands of the courts now, and I hope the correct decision is made.
Kev
Guest
Took the alleged victim 7 years to decide to go to police with the complaint.
Doc
Guest
The Carney piss-take is just bone-headed, knuckle-dragging larrikanism for which he has a lengthy record. Its only news-worthy because its him (again) and its about him blowing his chances yet again. There is no comparison with what Daw is charged with, regardless of the presumption of innocence.
Cat
Roar Guru
Point #1: Essendon is not innocent, that is a fact, read(again) what Essendon agreed to when they were banned from finals and lost draft picks, the question for Essendon now is how much *more* guilty are they. Point #2: A rape charge is a very serious criminal matter that belong in the hands of the court, cheating in sports should not be a matter for courts, it broke sporting rules not governmental laws.
Franko
Guest
Sure why not use a rape charge to frivolously trade my club v your club barbs :) Perhaps just one step up from my code v your code.
thank Goddard
Guest
Gene too bad you don't use the 'alleged' when talking about Essendon...shows where your prejudices really lie...no drug charges proven as yet...try to be a little more even-handed alleged guru
Don Freo
Guest
Bosk undermines his own comments through pure unadulterated hatred of everything.
Don Freo
Guest
You've found two more people to hate. Bosk, you must be the life of every party.
Don Freo
Guest
Do you really think a sponsor can cancel a contract before a court case has determined guilt. It would be illegal. You speak such rubbish.
Don Freo
Guest
Why the comparison with NicNat? Any white players you could have used? Bosk, you are lucky you can slander under a pseudonym. Innuendo about theft, racism...general hate. Please, just once, say something that indicates the sun shines occasionally in your life.
Don Freo
Guest
Bosk...You say Majak has no idea of how to read the play,you just have no idea about Australian values. With all stake holders accepting a basic Australian right of innocent until proven guilty, you go the "exotic" novelty card and seem to think this is an offence he has just committed. What is wrong with waiting for the courts?
Steele
Guest
Bosk, What do you mean by the term 'exotic'? I can only assume you mean dark skinned. This backward and irrelevant comment just undermines everything you've just written.
Flick
Roar Rookie
Pretty clear you have no understanding, you don't need to tell us.
Wilbur
Guest
And it is on the site if you look although one-eyed NRL fans have limited capacity in that field...
Wilbur
Guest
It would be odd if the NT Times didnt put a crocs head on Carney You havent seen tomorrows Herald Sun front page yet.... Carney was on the inside of the Sydney herald on page 2 where no-one looks and some non story was on page 1 so the NRL marketing machine is working well... Repeat after me - Daw is a reserves sometimes firsts player who is only newsworthy because he is the son of Sudanese refugees and not a SOO player nor sacked from 3 clubs. He was a minor at the time so in fact his name shouldn't have been published and it is sensitive because of the anti-refugee felling in the community... Even Storm boy might note the difference although when it comes to AFL he is a little overwrought...