Hawthorn forward Jonathon Patton has quit the AFL and apologised for his inappropriate behaviour to women.
Patton was stood down by the Hawks in January when accused by at least four women of sending sexually explicit photos and videos of himself via social media.
The No.1 pick at the 2011 draft on Friday announced his retirement from the AFL, effective immediately.
“I also want to take this opportunity to apologise for my inappropriate behaviour towards women,” Patton said in statement released by Hawthorn.
“Over the past few months, I have taken time to reflect on my mistakes.
“My actions were completely unacceptable and I am truly sorry for any distress I have caused.
“I am committed to continuing to learn from my mistakes and actively make the necessary changes.”
The Hawks stood down Patton after the complaints from women in January and, soon after, he was admitted to hospital, citing mental health concerns.
The club launched an investigation which was taken over by the AFL’s integrity unit.
The AFL released a statement acknowledging Patton’s retirement and his apology to women.
“The AFL integrity unit, which was investigating the behaviour … has informed the complainants of Patton’s decision to retire,” an AFL statement said.
Patton was taken with the first selection at the 2011 draft by GWS and played 89 games for the Sydney-based club in a stint marred by having knee reconstruction surgeries three times.
He was traded to Hawthorn at the end of the 2019 season and, still troubled by various injuries, managed only six games for the Hawks.
Hawthorn and Patton released a statement about two hours after coach Alastair Clarkson fronted a media conference when Patton’s decision wasn’t disclosed.
“I have made the difficult decision to retire from football to focus on my health, wellbeing, and future outside of the game,” Patton said in the statement.
“The constant battle to overcome injuries since I entered the AFL 10 years ago has been relentless and, on many occasions, overwhelming.
“Whilst I have loved every minute of playing on the AFL stage, my enjoyment of the game has ultimately diminished.
“As such, I will not play football at any level this year.”
Patton then apologised for his behaviour to women.
IDeals22
Roar Rookie
He probably felt it would be too difficult to work through the humiliation. So he fled the scene, (so to speak). The problem is the humiliation is still there (in his head) wherever he goes. Better advice would have been to take the punishment and work on building a better story for himself. Pity he never had much chance to actually ply his wares for an extended period at AFL level.
Yobbo
Guest
Another victim of cancel culture.
O M
Roar Rookie
O’Meara once had the potential to be better than Prestia, but Pete is right, he hasn’t lived up to that potential. Prestia is a little beauty. Big time Finals performer and a Best and Fairest in a Premiership year.
O M
Roar Rookie
Yep, I told them the same thing about the stirring.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Paton has apologised Yattz which is a clear admission of guilt. De Goey is defending his case which is his right.
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
I already knew your view. But pot needs stirring sometimes. I am surprised that young Jordon has got a pretty free run on the matter. But there where a couple of Tigers and a Swan who where not afforded the same courtesy last year.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
But maybe the AFL investigation allowed them to see certain evidence Yattz to allow presumption of innocence. Not defending him if he’s guilty by the way but he deserves presumption of innocence.
Blitz
Guest
Flags and playing finals are not individual awards.
Blitz
Guest
It doesn’t always exist in a courtroom. People can be locked away awaiting trial, or extradition, it happens more than you may think.
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
Still smiling after that nice win on Thursday night?
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
Who is he going to sue? I could be wrong but the process of standing a player down would be documented in his NRL contract signed by himself. His club wants him playing. Unless some evidence comes to hand that the victim is lying & making the whole thing up he could sue her.
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
PTS, yes the impressive strike rate of Hawthorn hook-ups has declined over the years. If I had to rate them, the worst would be O’Rourke, traded for pick 19 & 40 in 2014. In their defence, I will say they have mostly taken calculated risks on playing positions that definitely needed to be filled. A tall marking forward has been needed at the club for a couple of years now. Thus the Paton trade, but they didn’t throw big money or early trades for him. The Hawks forwards are still struggling to either mark or bring the ball to ground on a regular basis. My favourite hook-up was Brian Lake under free-agency. We had a great team but no key defenders. 3 flags in 3 years playing on 3 superstars. Pavlich, Buddy & Kennedy.
Pepito
Guest
Interesting questions. JdB has indicted he's going to sue after his trial is done (assuming he thinks he's not guilty of course). Whether he will succeed is another story. no one is slinging his name or De Goeys name through the mud.
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
I wonder if a player that has been stood down who has then been found innocent would then be able to launch a civil suit? I would sue them for every cent I could get, slander, restriction of trade etc
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
Ok, nice info. I wonder what happens if the person gets stood down and then goes on to be found innocent? I'd think that would be cause for a civil suit, I'd sue their arses off.
Angela
Roar Rookie
A rare example in contemporary life of presuming innocence until proven guilty. Lucky boy.
bagley
Roar Rookie
Most of them were late in the draft, not too much damage done, O'Meara has only played 100 games so far, but seems to have overcome his injuries, has had his best start to the year so far. I think Clarkson has changed course a bit with the draft, with the recent low ladder positions he has finally been able to get some good young talent without having to trade for them and plug holes in the list.
RT
Roar Rookie
Nevertheless, your question on the difference between the two was answered.
Alchemist
Roar Rookie
It's a good day :stoked:
Pepito
Guest
I would think that it would be illegal to do that. Your thinking would be wrong. It's now established law that a body like the AFL can stand someone down if they've been charged. The NSW supreme Court ruled in favour of the NRL when Jack de Belin appealed his standing down. This innocent until proven guilty mantra that people like to push exists solely in a courtroom. Nowhere else.