Dustin Martin’s career is about to be dealt a serious blow in regards to one of the worst off-season incidents in recent years.
Martin has been accused of threatening to stab a woman in the eye with a chopstick at a Melbourne restaurant.
The woman alleges that Martin, who had spent the day at the Stereosonic festival, became agitated, aggressive and stood over her threatening to stab her in the face. When she told the midfielder she was going to contact the club in regards to his behaviour, he responded by slamming his hand against the wall next to her head.
Martin admitted he had spent the day drinking and was extremely intoxicated when the incident occurred, which was described by the woman as terrifying. The restaurant had also asked Martin to leave. Martin later admitted to calling the woman to apologise.
Quite frankly, it’s not good enough. Nowhere near. The industry is calling for a lengthy ban and fine. Tiger legend Kevin Bartlett says the AFL and Richmond should suspend him for a year and fine him $50,000 to be donated to a relevant charity.
Let’s get serious. This supposed superstar should be sacked and a criminal investigation undertaken. Just because he is a footballer it should not mean he is above the law. What he did was beyond reprehensible. It was downright disgusting. He should be jailed for his actions.
This poster boy for football should now be a poster boy for violence against women and its consequences.
The ball is in the AFL and Richmond’s court. Both have a chance to send out the strongest of messages that violence against women is not acceptable.
So far they have talked the talk. Let’s see if they have the guts to walk the walk.
Paul D
Roar Guru
Wouldn't be the first of sloshy's predictions to be out of bounds on the full.
Peter McConvill
Roar Rookie
Looking just a little like you jumped the gun on this one sloshy.
Me
Guest
Nah ... make him wear a dress for 6 months.
Floyd Calhoun
Guest
Thanks Judy. What a staggering coincidence that is. When its a 'no news day', why not produce some of your own?
berrlins
Roar Pro
The AFL will do what they have too but eventually I think they'll make an example of him in some way. The AFL can't afford to continually have their image tarnished and should react appropriately depending on what the police have found.
Neil from Warrandyte
Guest
Exactly. Well said Peter.
Roy
Guest
Not to mention in the eye ! . . . eeeeekkkk!!
Paul D
Roar Guru
Some would argue it should be treated the same, but the fact the Carlton guy punched on with another bloke whereas Martin threatened a woman is an important point of difference for a lot of people.
Paul D
Roar Guru
What a silly line. Think about what you're saying for a moment. How is someone supposed to ask every single woman who is threatened with violence what they think. Typical hyperbolic nonsense from someone who can't muster up an actual fact based argument.
Peter McConvill
Roar Rookie
If it had been Conner Menadue the woman at the centre of this would have had no idea who he was and we would never of heard of this in the first place.
Dylan Matthews
Roar Guru
You watch Richmond protect Martin like all clubs do when it comes to gun players, much like Hawthorn did with the Hodge Drink-Driving incident. If it was a young lad like Connor Menadue, the club wouldn't have an issues with suspending him. Two-way traffic!
Judy Atu
Guest
He will only be booed by morons, why not show a bit of restraint until YOU know the facts, talk about jumping the gun. (as for booing Pies already do it) I'm sure Dusy can handle you and them booingt
Judy Atu
Guest
Floyd Calhoun, yes tracey not her real name is a producer of a Sunday program on channel 7 & she is from Sydney and she also knew exactly who she was talking / lecturing too
David
Guest
He got extra training sessions! And they want to ban Martin for 12 months???? Wow. Doesn't anybody see any inconsistency here?
Peter McConvill
Roar Rookie
What is curious is that I´m hearing virtually no female input on this. I asked my wife and daughters what punishment they´d think appropriate and they started with questions (noting they arent really football fans so I had to explain who Martin is). So he threatened her but never actually made contact? No. Did he break anything, a chair, a glass, a wall? No. Ok, their view was obviously start with counselling for alcohol abuse, probably a fine and some sort of community work. When I told them the idea was being floated of a 12 month or more month ban, fines of 50k plus they were, I think its fair to say horrified. Yeah what he did was wrong and he deserves punishment but why destroy him? Now my sample size is tiny and its completely might be that this isnt representative. However I also detect that in the all male commentry that seems to be dominating this discussion there´s an outrage olympics being staged where the winner is the guy (yep has to be a man) who can ride the biggest white horse and do the most to protect "the ladies".
Mister Football
Roar Guru
A chopstick could pierce an eardrum, which can cause a lot of damage and be quite painful. A chopstick up your nose could pop an eyeball and pierce your brain.
Tom Baulch
Roar Guru
Personally, (although not yet reading into it) this all does sound like a bit of an overreaction. Firstly it is only a threat. Secondly it's with a bloody chopstick, how much harm can be done with a chopstick?
Steve
Guest
No it shouldn't be the same punishment.
dave
Guest
His punishment should be chopstick related. If he can catch 100 flies with his chopsticks he gets to play. If he gets 99 or less he gets a poke in the eye. Also the victom should be put in a cage containing a wild tiger with a set of keys and a pair of chopsticks. The victim can quite easily and safely unlock the gate and go to safety or she could smack the tigers nose with her chopsticks and get a nation wide news story. I have no idea what happened,I have no doubt dusty was in the wrong.Yet in my 40 years ive seen so many drunk stupid angry guys and have have always been careful to avoid them,Afterall they are not hard to miss. But its not the vicims fault,she was maybe just a bit naive(or a bit clever if chasing a story) Dont be stupid drunk in public places dusty. And if your around someone stupid drunk dont preach to them them because however many uni degrees you have there not gonna get any rational talk and you are putting yourself in danger.
Jamie Radford
Roar Pro
What a ridiculous response. Where did I say he does not deserve to be punished? Read the comment properly before coming back all fired up and making silly statements that have nothing to do with the comment in question.