Hawthorn footballers Dylan Moore and Connor McDonald were arrested in the United States late last year and spent a night in custody.
The AFL off-season bombshell has been kept quiet until now but details of the incident in Arizona in November – during a period of pre-season training – came to light just three days before Hawthorn’s round one game against old rivals Essendon.
Dylan Moore played in Hawthorn’s opening round match against GWS.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
The pair were arrested for allegedly trespassing, and that is the only charge they are facing.
Former vice-captain Moore was deeply remorseful about what happened and outlined the stress he experienced while away from Australia and the club.
Connor Macdonald playing for the Hawks at the weekend.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
“It’s something that I’ll always regret. A foolish mistake has led to a night in a jail cell and many regrets,” the 26-year-old Hawk told Channel Seven.
“I was in the US. I was out having a few drinks and made a foolish mistake.
“I decided to get on a scissor lift. Next thing I know, the cops are there telling me to get off. I got off, and the next thing I know, I’m in police custody.”
A scissor lift – commonly used on construction sites – is a mobile scaffold used to raise people and materials.
Moore was overlooked when Hawthorn announced their new leaders – co-captains Jai Newcombe and James Sicily – in January.
Asked what was going through his head at the time of his arrest, Moore said he experienced a range of emotions.
“I felt a bit of disappointment, regret, stress, anxiety,” the 127-AFL gamer said.
“I was in a cell overnight not knowing if my friends and family knew in Australia.
“It was all just disappointment and fear of what they’re going to think.”
Seven also reported that the pair faced an initial charge on drug paraphernalia, but Moore said that was dismissed.
“No that charge has been dismissed,” he said.
The duo were fined by the club but Hawthorn are yet to reveal exactly what additional punishment they will face. The two players will also undergo alcohol counselling and will complete community service.
“They were tough calls to make back home,” Moore said about his contact with the club.
“It was scary because all they wanted to do was help me, but I was on the other side of the world.
“I feel quite sorry for Sam [coach Sam Mitchell]. I disappointed him and the fellow leaders.
“I was vice-captain at the time, and I should be recognising situations like that and knowing the consequences there is, and having Connor there with me, as an older player, I should know better.”
Hawthorn chief executive Ash Klein confirmed the incident to the network, and said Moore would “learn” from it.
“He’s regretful and remorseful from day one,” Klein said.
“He’s learnt from this. He’s going to re-educate himself from this.”
An AFL spokesperson said the case was a club matter, and the league was comfortable with how it was being handled.
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