Clayton Oliver avoids ban despite failing breath test

MELBOURNE has decided not to suspend rising star Clayton Oliver after he was caught drink-driving during the pre-season.

Clayton Oliver has avoided suspension by the Demons. Picture: Getty Images

MELBOURNE has decided not to suspend rising star Clayton Oliver for drink-driving.

Oliver, 19, has instead been fined an undisclosed amount and must also complete a road safety education program.

The penalty was handed down by the club’s leadership group and ticked off by the AFL.

Oliver, who played 13 games in his debut season this year, failed a breath test while driving on P-plates during the pre-season.

He has apologised to his teammates.

Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said the Demons decided not to ban Oliver because he had already lost his licence and been fined by the police.

“Clayton is embarrassed by his actions and understands that he has let himself and others down,” Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney told the AFL website.

“He also understands how fortunate he was that no one was injured, nor was there any property damaged.”

Oliver was selected at pick No.4 in the 2015 draft and earned the Round 1 nomination in the Rising Star Award this year.

He has already signed a new contract until the end of 2019.