Collingwood Magpies reinstate midfielder Jordan De Goey

Collingwood have decided to reinstate Jordan De Goey to its football program after his assault and harassment charges were resolved.

The Collingwood Magpies have decided to reinstate Jordan De Goey to its football program after his assault and harassment charges were resolved on Thursday.

The 25-year-old midfielder and tattoo artist Luke Dyson were arrested in New York in October following an alleged incident at the PHD Rooftop Lounge at the Dream Hotel in Manhattan.

The alleged Halloween altercation, which saw De Goey spend a night in jail, is said to have been triggered after bar patrons began stealing De Goey’s drinks.

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Collingwood stood down De Goey on October 31 last year.

De Goey had been taking a break from his US training schedule tied to commercial agreement with Monster Energy drinks.

He had previously pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and harassment, while charges of forcible touching were dropped at a previous hearing.

On Thursday evening, Collingwood released a statement confirming that De Goey could return to training as of Friday, January 21 because the matter had been “resolved”.

The club received written confirmation that De Goey’s charge had been downgraded to a harassment violation, and will not result in a criminal conviction.

“The Collingwood board has considered an agreement on a conclusion to the legal matter faced by Jordan De Goey in the US, which was reached late today,” the statement read.

“As a result of this in-principle resolution and based on further undertakings given by Jordan to the club, Collingwood has reinstated Jordan to its AFL program.

“The club remains of the view that it was appropriate to stand De Goey down until the various charges he faced were dealt with.

“With Jordan pleading guilty to a second degree harassment violation and agreeing to an order to commit to a corrective program in Australia, and all other charges dropped, the matter is resolved.

“A second degree harassment violation will not result in a criminal conviction.

“The club received in writing today an agreed settlement that is expected to be ratified at a hearing in the US on January 28.”

Jordan De Goey of the Magpies. Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

De Goey’s return comes with two club-imposed terms that he has agree to — a commitment to ongoing support off-field from health professionals and permanent, part-time work with the Salvation Army.

Collingwood president Jeff Browne said in a statement: “Jordan is a Collingwood player and like all of our players he will be supported with everything that we have. We want our people, including those who make mistakes, to know what Side by Side means.

“We are pleased that the matter is resolved and Craig McRae and his team can get on with the pre-season.”

Collingwood chief executive Mark Anderson said in a statement: “The decision to stand Jordan down immediately was as a result of this incident but also other matters that needed to be addressed

“At the outset of the police and court process, we stated that we were seeking a clear outcome and the necessary information to inform our decision in relation to his future. The court case and today’s agreement has provided that outcome, along with access to evidence and a full account of the facts.

“Club officials have spoken at length with Jordan about the situation and his behaviour more generally, and he recognises that change is necessary. He also understands that his actions from here will need to be evidence of that change. The responsibility to rebuild trust is his to carry and he fully understands the consequences of any future issue.”

Originally published as Collingwood Magpies reinstate midfielder Jordan De Goey