Thomas future in jeopardy after fresh claims
NORTH Melbourne could face a payout of up to $1m if it cuts ties with troubled midfielder Tarryn Thomas as frustration mounts over his alleged behaviour towards women.
Thomas’ AFL career is at the crossroads as the league investigates fresh allegations he has sent threatening and intimidating texts to a woman.
The club had already made a decision to stand Thomas down due to his lack of progress in a respect and responsibility counselling program, following separate claims from multiple women alleging Thomas had threatened them.
In particular, Kangaroos’ chief executive Jennifer Watt said Thomas’ failure to meet expectations in this area had triggered “a new plan to address his issues of accountability, remorse and behaviour change”.
It is the second time this year North has had to stand Thomas down due to his offfield behaviour despite the club’s strong efforts to help educate the man who turns 23 on Saturday.
It means the Roos will have to seriously consider parting ways with Thomas, which could cost the club up to $1m of his contract over the next two years.
It is understood Thomas is on about $500,000 for each of the 2023-24 seasons following a new deal in February last year when he was considered one of the club’s best young players.
Despite his behavioural concerns, the club would have to reach a financial agreement with Thomas if it terminated his contract, potentially allowing him to make a fresh start at a new club next year.
Football manager Todd Viney said the club was concerned about the fresh allegations and was adamant Thomas had not made the progress expected of him in recent months.