Scott not afraid of the truth
NORTH Melbourne contacted Tasmania Police late yesterday in an effort to fast-track the investigation into an alleged clash between coach Brad Scott and a security guard at Blundstone Arena last Saturday.
The Kangaroos made the move so that they could detail Scott’s version of events, which is understood to differ considerably from the complaint made by the security guard late on Monday.
The club hopes that information will expedite the process, having not heard anything from Tasmania Police since it confirmed to the media on Tuesday that an investigation had been launched into the incident.
Scott said yesterday at his weekly press conference that he welcomed the investigation, saying it gave him and the club the chance to “put the facts into the story”.
While he remained tightlipped on details, citing the ongoing investigation, Scott said he was eager to tell his side of the story, and was confident the facts would eventually come out.
“Things will come out in the wash-up. All I can say is I absolutely welcome an investigation and look forward to putting the facts into the story,” Scott said.
“We’re all aware that there has been some allegations made.
Unfortunately ... there will be a police investigation now, so while I’d love to answer all your questions and give you a full version of events, and actually tell you what happened, I can’t.”
Tasmania police confirmed
on Tuesday that a complaint has been lodged.
Scott read a statement to the media ahead of his scheduled press conference yesterday, watched by North Melbourne director of football Geoff Walsh.
The incident is alleged to have occurred just before halftime after Scott made his way down from the coaches’ box after a 50m penalty against Lindsay Thomas. It is believed the coach was trying to make his way past the security guard at the time.
Scott has received legal advice from Will Houghton, QC, a former North Melbourne board member.
A statement from Tasmania Police on Tuesday said it was investigating a complaint “received (on Monday night) in relation to an alleged assault at Blundstone Arena.”