Mark Robinson on Tarryn Thomas harassment allegations and AFL, North Melbourne response

On Wednesday, the Roos confirmed Tarryn Thomas will step away from the club to be educated. But Mark Robinson says punishment and education can work in tandem.

Tarryn Thomas at training. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Tarryn Thomas is taking time out and doing homework on how to better treat women.

That’s the belated response from the AFL and North Melbourne as it deals with a series of serious allegations made by several women against Thomas.

This is disciplinary action.

But no fines.

Still no condemnation.

Just confirmation from North Melbourne late on Wednesday night – after yet another damaging claim – that Thomas will step away from the club to be educated.

Earlier in the day, there was no stepping away.

“The advice provided by the AFL following these incidents was that Tarryn should undertake training and education to deal with his behavioural issues,’’ said North Melbourne president Sonja Hood earlier yesterday.

“The club has since built a significant and multi-layered program which includes respectful relationships education, working with psychologists, mentoring, peer support and community outreach for Tarryn to complete so he can meet North Melbourne’s values and community expectations.

“He has started work on this program and we’ll continue to support Tarryn as he completes this work.’’

How would Jordan De Goey feel about the response Tarryn Thomas has received, wonders Mark Robinson.

Then, following further revelations and after being contacted by the AFL, came another statement: “Tarryn Thomas will take time away from the club after the AFL’s Integrity Unit informed North Melbourne of a new allegation of inappropriate behaviour on Wednesday afternoon.

“As detailed in the club’s statement earlier on Wednesday, the club and Thomas made a commitment to co-operate fully in any investigation if new information was presented.”

The new information forced the AFL and North Melbourne to back track on their previous plan to keep Thomas in the fold.

Two questions though.

One, why the back track when we already had multiple women detailing their alleged harrowing interactions with Thomas

Two, when did alleged “family violence” become “behavioural issues”?

Tarryn Thomas at North Melbourne training. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Reading all that, Collingwood’s Jordan DeGoey would’ve spat out his cornflakes.

DeGoey was given a $25,000 suspended fine and was forced to apologise for his disrespectful conduct while partying in Bali last year.

Video showed DeGoey tugging at a women’s top. The incident was national news and DeGoey was widely condemned.

Which is the worse behaviour? DeGoey’s or that allegedly engaged in by Thomas? The answer is obvious. Yet while DeGoey was torched, Thomas was initially cuddled.

The AFL beats its chest about its community standards towards women, as outlined in its respect and responsibility policy.

‘’The AFL is committed to … ensuring that individuals who have been subjected to disrespectful conduct, sexual harassment, assault or threatening behaviour within our industry are supported by best practice services focused on their individual needs.’’

Surely if the allegations are proven, Thomas has breached the AFL’s standards of behaviour towards women. If not, why not?

Are there cultural sensitivities at play?

Is it because police are investigating these incidents?

Tarryn Thomas celebrates a goal with new co-captain Jy Simpkin.

Always, the AFL is attacked when issues arise, but the same questions should be directed at North Melbourne. They’ve chosen to educate rather than punish, which clearly is a protective mechanism for one of their bright young stars.

It is a confusing decision from the Kangaroos, who themselves admit “the issue is challenging and confronting and the club acknowledges the impact people will be feeling across the community by reading the media today”.

Certainly, Thomas needs professional help.

There is a pattern of behaviour here that needs to be addressed.

Punishment and education, however, can work in tandem.

Thomas will complete his homework, while the women on the receiving end of the barrage from this troubled young man will wonder why more hasn’t been done.

They aren’t the only ones.

Originally published as Mark Robinson on Tarryn Thomas harassment allegations and AFL, North Melbourne response