Port Adelaide forward Willie Rioli has withdrawn his name from selection and will be suspended for this week's Showdown against Adelaide, with the Power player apologising for his actions following allegations of threats he made toward other players.
Rioli has been in the headlines since Saturday's loss to the Western Bulldogs, having been involved in an on-field incident with opponent Bailey Dale that led the Power forward to being charged for striking by the Match Review Officer.
Rioli reportedly sent a message to a teammate of Dale's that garnered the AFL's attention, with the hostile nature of the message alleged to have potentially threatened Dale's safety ahead of the Dogs' trip to Darwin this week.
Further reports revealed Rioli had been an instigator in on-field incidents involving Essendon's Archie Roberts and Geelong's Brad Close in the past year.
The AFL has since concluded its investigation into the claims of past incidents involving Rioli, with the league deciding to hand Rioli a one-game suspension.
On Thursday, Port Adelaide released a statement attributed to Rioli, who admitted his actions toward Dale were "totally unacceptable", and confirmed he would miss Round 9.
"This morning I informed the club that I had withdrawn from Saturday night's Showdown," Rioli said in a statement.
"With all the stress from this week, I feel it's best for me and the team that I take a break.
"I again acknowledge that my actions after last weekend's game against the Bulldogs were totally unacceptable.
"I apologised to Bailey Dale on Monday and I want to publicly apologise again for the stress my actions have caused.
"I say things from time to time on the footy field in the heat of the moment that I wish I didn't and I'm continuing to work with the club on managing this moving forward.
"It's not in my true nature or character to say those things and I apologise for any distress I cause to individuals or their families.
"I want to thank the Port Adelaide Football Club and all of my teammates and coaches for their support."
The AFL later confirmed that Rioli would be suspended for Round 9, and will be required to undergo education on respectful/non-violent language and conduct.
"The AFL has today sanctioned Port Adelaide player Willie Rioli with a one match suspension in connection with his recent conduct and earlier incidents that involved physical threats against other players," a league statement read.
"Following last weekend's match against the Western Bulldogs, Rioli sent a message to a Western Bulldogs' teammate of Bailey Dale threatening Dale.
"Dale was made aware of the matter but having received an apology and assurances from Rioli he did not seek that any further action be taken. Having looked into the matter and after speaking with both Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs, the AFL determined in all the circumstances not to take any action in what was considered an isolated incident at the time.
"In more recent days, and after the above determination, it has been revealed that Rioli had previously made threats to other players in two previous incidents.
"The AFL has investigated those incidents and spoke to all players and clubs involved over the last 24 hours and the AFL notes the cooperation from all parties including Rioli who made admissions in relation to his conduct.
"Given the cumulative number and nature of the incidents involving Rioli and other players, the AFL has revisited its earlier decision, and it has determined it is appropriate that:
- Rioli receives a one match suspension and is not able to play in this weekend's Round Nine match against the Adelaide Crows; and
- Rioli participates as soon as possible in education on respectful / non-violent language and conduct to be prescribed by the AFL.
"Rioli will also continue to be provided wellbeing support."
Port Adelaide and Adelaide will clash at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night at 8:10pm.
