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Hawthorn release statement over rape allegations

The Hawthorn Football Club has released the following statement in regards to an newspaper report this morning:

The Hawthorn Football Club has received a number of media enquiries regarding an article which appeared in the Australian newspaper this morning.

The article reports of an Australian Federal Police Investigation into an alleged rape of an American woman in Hawaii in 1999.

It is alleged that Hawthorn players were involved in the incident.

The Hawthorn football club would like to make the following points:

Hawthorn FC was contacted by the Australian Federal Police in 1999 about an alleged rape of an American woman who was holidaying in Hawaii at the same time while some Hawthorn players were there.

The AFP asked the club in 1999 to assist them with their enquiries concerning the allegation. The Hawthorn Football Club fully assisted the AFP in the matter and was later advised the allegation was unsubstantiated.

One Hawthorn player was asked to provide a statement about the allegation and fully assisted police. The player -- who is no longer with the club -- was asked his version of events and supplied information to police.

The player and the Hawthorn FC were advised that the allegation was unsubstantiated.

The club was contacted by the Australian newspaper and spoke to people who were involved with the club at the time of the alleged incident.

Following those discussions, the club is convinced the issue is closed.
"This matter is clearly closed," said Hawthorn Chief Executive Steven Leighton.

"The Hawthorn Football Club was made aware of the allegation and assisted fully with all enquiries.

"Subsequently we were advised the allegation was unsubstantiated."