Josh Gibson could detail Campbell Brown incident as Gold Coast opts to suspend veteran

HAWTHORN defender Josh Gibson could hold the key to Campbell Brown's future at the Gold Coast Suns.

HAWTHORN defender Josh Gibson could hold the key to Campbell Brown's future.

The Gold Coast Sun's football career was hanging by a thread on Sunday night after the club suspended the fiery veteran from all club duties for breaking the jaw of Suns teammate Steven May at a Los Angeles nightclub.

Suns president John Witheriff penned an open letter to the club's supporters on Sunday afternoon, saying he and fellow board member Bob East would decide the matter once an investigation into the incident was completed.

READ WITHERIFF'S FULL STATEMENT BELOW

That probe could hinge on evidence from Gibson, who the Herald Sun understands had not been drinking alcohol and was close to the Suns' pair when tensions erupted.

It is believed Gibson was witness to a verbal exchange and events leading up to the violent clash between Brown, 30, and May, 21.

News_Image_File: Campbell Brown and Steven May at training this year. Brown has now been suspended from the club until the investigation has been completed.

Gibson could help paint a clear picture of the circumstances surrounding the fight for Suns' chiefs.

A Hawthorn spokesperson would not confirm whether the Suns had spoken to, or asked to interview Gibson.

"The Campbell Brown incident is a matter for Gold Coast FC, not Hawthorn FC," the Hawks' spokesperson said.

It is alleged May and Brown were leaving nightclub Bootsy Bellows to clear the venue for pop star Rhianna when they clashed.

Close friends Gibson and Brown were teammates at Hawthorn in 2010.

May had surgery to insert two plates into his jaw on Saturday. It is hoped he will resume running in two weeks.

News_Rich_Media: An altercation with Gold Coast Suns teammate Steven May, which left the forward with a broken jaw, is the latest in a long list of indiscretions committed by Campbell Brown. Here's a look back at his controversial career to date.

Witheriff said Brown "understands the suspension and is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation".

"As you would expect, their brief has been to gather all the relevant facts, ensuring that any ruling the club makes will be made with accurate and substantiated information," Witheriff said.

"This is being done in a timely manner, but I must stress that the board is committed to a fair and appropriate outcome.

"The integrity of the investigation is my dominant concern."

On Saturday footage emerged of the fight. The dark footage, which appears to have been shot on a mobile phone, shows the aftermath of Brown's punch that shattered May's jaw and resulted in him requiring two plates being inserted into his jaw.

May and Brown grapple with each other amid a hail of expletives, with May repeatedly telling Brown to "let go".

News_Rich_Media: Taken from the side walk outside a night club Campbell Brown wrestles with fellow team mates. Courtesy: Nine News

The 20-second confrontation ends when the two men are separated by teammate Jack Hutchins.

Brown and May were ordered home from LA immediately and arrived back on the Gold Coast on Wednesday.

The rest of the Suns arrived home later in the week and were taken immediately to the club by bus where they were all grilled extensively over the incident.

Brown was not available for the first match of next season because of a suspension for kicking Demon James Strauss in the head.

He started 2013 with a six-match ban and there were doubts he would reach the 200-game milestone but he forced his way back into the side's best 22 and produced a solid season.

News_Image_File: Is this the end for Campbell Brown?

STATEMENT FROM GOLD COAST SUNS CHAIRMAN JOHN WITHERIFF:

"I am as disappointed as any of you to be providing you with this update in relation to the incident between Campbell Brown and Steven May that occurred in Los Angeles following the team's training camp in Arizona.

As passionate supporters of the Gold Coast SUNS, I believe it is important that the club keeps you updated with the status of our investigation and the process that the club is following to ensure we reach a fair and appropriate outcome for all involved.

The full board of the Gold Coast SUNS met on Thursday afternoon where the incident was discussed at length. Highlighting the seriousness with which the club is treating the issue, the board agreed to delegate its authority to make a decision on the matter to two board members, myself, and Mr Bob East.

Since the meeting of the board, Chief Executive, Travis Auld, and General Manager - Football Operations, Marcus Ashcroft, have been conducting a detailed investigation of the incident.

As you would expect, their brief has been to gather all the relevant facts, ensuring that any ruling the club makes will be made with accurate and substantiated information.

This is being done in a timely manner, but I must stress that the board is committed to a fair and appropriate outcome. The integrity of the investigation is my dominant concern.

Following the board meeting, the club notified Campbell Brown that he would be suspended from the club until the completion of the investigation. Campbell understands the suspension and is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.

Steven May underwent surgery on Saturday to repair a broken left jaw. He has had two plates inserted into his jaw, and we expect that he will be in a position to resume running in approximately 2 weeks.

As Chairman of the Gold Coast SUNS, I share the high expectations you have of our club.

The club will continue to keep our members and supporters updated and will provide you with further information at the appropriate time.

In the meantime, rest assured, we are committed to a fair process, that will reflect the values of our club - its members, players, staff and sponsors."

JOHN WITHERIFF

Chairman - Gold Coast SUNS

News_Rich_Media: When asked if he had spoken to his son after his incident, Mal Brown launched into a foul mouth rant at reporters outside his home.