Dusty Martin scandal is ‘AFL’s worst nightmare’ before finals
AFL legends have dropped a truth bomb as the football world reels from the scandal surrounding Tigers star Dustin Martin.
Footy legend Garry Lyon says the video scandal surrounding Dustin Martin is the AFL’s “worst nightmare” just hours away from the start of the 2022 Finals Series.
Footy commentators on Thursday morning condemned Martin’s behaviour as seen in a viral video where he appears to be seen touching a topless woman on her breast.
The AFL is investigating the footage.
“We have become aware of a video posted on social media. We are seeking further information,” an AFL spokesman said.
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The video appears to show Martin reaching around from behind the woman and grabbing her breast as she sits on the lap of another gentleman.
The circumstances of the video have not been confirmed, however, reports claim the video shows Martin during an end-of-season celebration in 2017, reportedly taken from inside a strip club or bar.
Lyon and fellow SEN Breakfast host Tim Watson on Thursday morning said Martin’s apparent behaviour in the video is “unacceptable”.
The scandal is playing out on the same day Martin is making his comeback for the Tigers in a blockbuster elimination final against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Thursday night.
Lyon said it is a “disaster” for the AFL.
“That would be, for all sorts of the reasons, the AFL’s worst nightmare on the launch of this finals series,” Lyon said.
“From a behaviour point of view, to the focus that they want, to the circus this will be unfolding now in Brisbane with Dusty returning to footy having been out for a long, long time. Now, like it or not, this is going to be the focus.
“Timing-wise, not that that matters, it’s a disaster for the AFL.”
Lyon said the video could potentially see the AFL respond in a similar fashion to the way the league handled Collingwood star Jordan De Goey’s Bali nightclub video scandal where he was seen appearing to expose a woman’s breast.
“I don’t know what to say to this other than you are responsible for your own actions,” he said
“That was the thing from Jordan’s perspective, unsolicited touching, whether you knew them or not, is not acceptable. That is why it will be an issue and that is why it will be a story that continues to rage throughout the day.”
Essendon legend Watson also said: “There’s no place in the world where that behaviour is acceptable. It’s never ever right, no matter what the circumstance, to grab someone on the breast.”
Lyon earlier this year slammed De Goey for “entitled behaviour that’s not acceptable in any way, shape or form”.
The Collingwood star was ultimately issued a $25,000 suspended fine by his football club, but also had a rich contract offer taken off the table.
Earlier, Richmond coach Damien Hardwick was questioned about the Martin video on Wednesday afternoon but played a straight bat to questions.
“There’s just an old video of what looks like from 2017 of Dusty online on Twitter this afternoon, I think at a Richmond event. Are you aware of that, have you seen that video?” 7 News reporter Tom Browne asked.
“No,” Hardwick responded. “I’m not too sure.”
Martin, 31, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the AFL.
But, despite his on field heroics, he has a long list of off-field controversies that have plagued his career.
In 2012, he received a two week suspension from the club for missing a training session.
In 2013, he was caught running a red light, and in 2014 he was fined after driving suspended.
In 2015, Martin was accused of making threats inside a Japanese restaurant in Melbourne.
Dusty has endured a tough past 12 months after his father Shane, 54, died at his Mt Maunganui home in New Zealand on December 17, 2021.
Shane died of cardiovascular disease with drugs and steroids in his system.
Subsequent post-mortem tests found Mr Martin had a 600g enlarged heart, about double the size of an average man’s heart.
News.com.au has contacted Dustin Martin’s agent for comment.