SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 10: Jonathon Patton of the Hawks leaves the ground with an injury during the round 6 AFL match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Hawthorn Hawks at GIANTS Stadium on July 10, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Hawthorn has stood down forward Jonathon Patton following several instances alleging the 27-year-old was involved in sending lewd messages on social media, per AFL.com.au.
A number of women have come forward linking Patton to inappropriate acts online, with the Hawks taking on an investigation of their own.
The club, led by an Integrity Committee, have decided to stand down their key forward while the investigation continues.
"The club will provide a further update at the completion of the investigation and asks that the privacy of all parties involved be respected at this time," the club said in a statement.
Patton joined the club ahead of the 2020 season after 89 games with the Giants between 2012 and 2019.