North Melbourne have released a club statement on their website after young forward Jy Simpkin was involved in an accident with a motorcyclist in the early hours on Sunday morning.
Simpkin had been drinking and stepped into the path of the motorcycle in West Melbourne, and suffered an ankle injury in the process.
The 19-year-old will now miss the next 2-4 weeks with injury, and is in serious doubt for the Roos' round one clash with Gold Coast.
Simpkin suffered grade-two ligament damage to his ankle in the incident.
North Melbourne released the following statement on their website.
GM of football Cameron Joyce said the club would not accept irresponsible behaviour from its players.
"We are disappointed with Jy. He had been drinking and unfortunately, he wasn't as alert to his surroundings and as careful as he should have been," Joyce said.
"Jy didn't see the motorcyclist and stepped out in front of him and the accidental collision occurred.
"He is very lucky no one was more seriously hurt."
Today, the club met to discuss the incident and in consultation with Simpkin, the following will take place:
* Simpkin will donate $2,000 to Road Trauma Support Services
* Simpkin has instigated a minimum six-month, self-imposed ban on alcohol (at least until season's end)
* Simpkin will undertake an educational course that deals with making better choices and dealing with alcohol
Police have indicated they will issue fines to Simpkin for being drunk in a public place and for crossing the road on a red light.
The club will make no further comments.
