TonyK
CibbuanoStokes stood down
February 3rd 2010 05:55
GEELONG premiership player Mathew Stokes has been banned from the club until further notice after being arrested and charged with trafficking and possessing cocaine on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old small forward was granted bail after appearing in the Geelong Magistrates' Court. He is scheduled to reappear in court on March 12.
Stokes told police he purchased one gram of cocaine for friends visiting from Darwin but he didn't consume any of the drug.
Cats chief executive Brian Cook said in a statement the club was 'disappointed by the turn of events today'.
"Given the gravity of the charges we have decided that Mathew will be stood down from all club activity as we attempt to gather all the facts of this matter," Cook said.
"This is not a rush to judgment but a reflection on the seriousness of the situation."
"It is important for Mathew that he deals with legal issues at hand as his first priority."
"As we have in the past, the club will not rush to formulate a long-term determination of any penalty."
"Mathew is obviously very upset by what has happened and we'll give him a little time to gather his thoughts and then we'll sit down with him and work through the situation."
"The club has been in contact with the AFL throughout the day to ensure that they have been kept informed."
Stokes was questioned by detectives on Wednesday morning as part of a lengthy drug investigation in the Geelong area.
Acting Inspector Michael Baker said Stokes had been 'very helpful' with police inquiries.
No other Geelong players are under investigation.
Stokes' arrest came after a series of drug raids in Geelong last Friday which resulted in police seizing more than $3000 in cash and about $50,000 worth of drugs from four properties.
Taken with pick 61 in the 2005 national draft, Stokes has played 71 games and kicked 108 goals for the Cats.
He was a member of Geelong's 2007 premiership side but missed out on last year's grand final win over St Kilda.
The 25-year-old small forward was granted bail after appearing in the Geelong Magistrates' Court. He is scheduled to reappear in court on March 12.
Stokes told police he purchased one gram of cocaine for friends visiting from Darwin but he didn't consume any of the drug.
Cats chief executive Brian Cook said in a statement the club was 'disappointed by the turn of events today'.
"Given the gravity of the charges we have decided that Mathew will be stood down from all club activity as we attempt to gather all the facts of this matter," Cook said.
"This is not a rush to judgment but a reflection on the seriousness of the situation."
"It is important for Mathew that he deals with legal issues at hand as his first priority."
"As we have in the past, the club will not rush to formulate a long-term determination of any penalty."
"Mathew is obviously very upset by what has happened and we'll give him a little time to gather his thoughts and then we'll sit down with him and work through the situation."
"The club has been in contact with the AFL throughout the day to ensure that they have been kept informed."
Stokes was questioned by detectives on Wednesday morning as part of a lengthy drug investigation in the Geelong area.
Acting Inspector Michael Baker said Stokes had been 'very helpful' with police inquiries.
No other Geelong players are under investigation.
Stokes' arrest came after a series of drug raids in Geelong last Friday which resulted in police seizing more than $3000 in cash and about $50,000 worth of drugs from four properties.
Taken with pick 61 in the 2005 national draft, Stokes has played 71 games and kicked 108 goals for the Cats.
He was a member of Geelong's 2007 premiership side but missed out on last year's grand final win over St Kilda.
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