AFL players Dion Prestia of Richmond and Steven May of Melbourne are facing legal troubles following their alleged involvement in a brawl that took place last December in Sorrento, a coastal town in Victoria. Both players have been charged by police, with Prestia accused of recklessly causing serious injury and May charged with affray.
Prestia has publicly protested his innocence, asserting that he was not present at the scene of the altercation. In an official statement issued by Richmond, he expressed his firm intention to contest the charges. “I deny that I am guilty of these offences and will strenuously defend these charges,” Prestia stated, emphasizing his commitment to prove his innocence in court.
The incident occurred in the early morning hours of December 27, where two groups of men reportedly clashed on Point Nepean Road, leading to two individuals being hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. This ongoing investigation has seen detectives from the Mornington Crime Investigation Unit interviewing multiple witnesses back in May as part of their inquiries.
Both players are scheduled to appear in Dromana Magistrates Court on November 27. Additionally, a 26-year-old man from Blairgowrie has also been charged with affray in connection with the altercation.
As for their careers, Prestia is a celebrated three-time premiership player, having joined Richmond in 2017 after starting his journey with the Gold Coast Suns in 2011 where he played alongside May. Prestia has amassed 237 matches in the AFL, while May, a former captain of the Suns who joined the Demons in 2019, has played 251 matches and is regarded as a dual All-Australian and premiership player. However, May’s future at Melbourne appears uncertain; he was recently advised to explore trade options.
This legal situation not only affects their professional lives but also sparks broader discussions regarding player conduct and accountability within the AFL. It underscores the need for athletes to uphold standards of behavior, reflecting on the responsibilities that come with their status while remaining hopeful for a positive resolution as the legal process unfolds.
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