Richmond forward Jake King again caught socialising with ex-Bandidos boss Toby Mitchell

UPDATE: RICHMOND great Kevin Bartlett says the Tigers can't stop Jake King meeting friend and underworld figure Toby Mitchell.

RICHMOND forward Jake King continues to jeopardise his AFL career by associating with underworld figure Toby Mitchell.

The Tigers' veteran was caught socialising with the former Bandidos boss for a third time in six months.

King, 29, was seen meeting Mitchell in Docklands.

Richmond, which has previously expressed its concern over King's friendship with Mitchell, is assessing the situation.

But Tigers great Kevin Bartlett has jumped to King's defence.

"Richmond has every right to lay down the law on who frequents the club ... but in his private life Jake King can be friends with whoever he wants," Bartlett said on his SEN radio show.

"By associating with underworld figures doesn't mean that King is a criminal ... he says they are long-standing family friends, and that has never been disputed.

"As long as King operates within the guidelines of the club, and keeps himself out of trouble and makes no attempt to influence teammates into his circle of friends, he should be able to go about his life without scrutiny."

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King invited Mitchell into the Richmond change rooms post-game in August last year and the pair was again seen together watching a women's lingerie American football game in December.

Richmond has counselled King specifically about the issue, with chief executive Brendon Gale urging the 105-gamer to make "better decisions" after his last meeting with Mitchell.

"It has been brought to his attention... that he should think long and hard about those sorts of friendships..." Gale said.

Richmond and league heavyweights have taken a dim view of the friendship.

The latest meeting could prompt the club to part ways with King when his contract expires at season's end, regardless of his on-field form.

News_Module: HS Dirty Deeds bikie special promo 650

News_Rich_Media: Richmond forward Jake King continues to defy the wishes of his club and the AFL, once again meeting publicly with bikie figure Toby Mitchell in Melbourne.