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Hawks' Jacobs faces disciplinary action over drink driving offence

The match committee of the Hawthorn Football Club will discuss appropriate disciplinary action under the club's Player Code of Conduct following a drink driving offence committed by defender Danny Jacobs.<

Jacobs was booked and fined by Victorian police for drink driving late on Friday night. He was found to be over the legal limit after an evening out with friends at a popular Melbourne night spot.

The 23-year-old notified Hawthorn FC General Manager, Football Operations John Hook of the incident before training this morning.

He said the Hawthorn match committee would discuss the incident under the club's strict Player Code of Conduct policy.

Hook said the club frowned upon players who drove while under the influence of alcohol. However, he said Danny was honest in his "preparedness to accept the ramifications of such an offence".

Jacobs explained to police at the time of the offence that he was a passenger in the car and not the driver.

The 85-AFL game player told police that he was sitting in the driver's seat - with the keys in the ignition - when asked to take a breath test.

Jacobs explained to the officer that he was waiting in the car for his friend who owned and drove the vehicle. The friend arrived a few moments later.

Jacobs told the officer that he had in fact parked his own vehicle in Richmond so he could enjoy a few drinks and avoid drink driving.

"Regardless of whether I was driving or not driving, it's still the same situation," Jacobs told the Hawthorn FC earlier today.

"I shouldn't be exempt. It was a silly and senseless thing to do. I jumped in the driver's seat to flick on the radio and wait for a mate who was to drive me home.

"I parked my own car in Richmond because I didn't want to drink and drive. I ended up with a $50 parking fine as well, so it was a pretty ordinary night.

"I explained to the policeman that I was not the driver of the vehicle. But because I was in the driver's seat and the keys were in the ignition, he said that technically I was in control of the vehicle."

Jacobs had his licence suspended for 12 months and was fined $420 for the offence.


Earlier today the West Coast Eagles released the following statement in regards to Quinton Lynch:

The West Coast Eagles football affairs committee will meet this evening to discuss club sanctions against defender Quinten Lynch who was this morning charged with serious traffic offences.


While Lynch will face court action on Thursday over charges of drink driving, reckless driving and leaving the scene and will be punished by the law, the West Coast Eagles will also impose its own penalties against actions which contravene club values.