Carlton recruit Elijah Hollands facing court appearance over possession of illicit substance, latest news،
Carlton has confirmed rookie Elijah Hollands is due to appear in court on charges of possession of an illicit substance, a day after negotiating for him.
The 21-year-old was traded from Gold Coast on Wednesday, in a bargain deal that effectively saw the Blues give up only a future third-round pick while picking up a future fourth.
Hollands informed the club of the court hearing during the trade process and the Blues said they made “an informed decision” to pursue the deal.
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The Suns said Hollands “received a court summons for one count of possession of a small amount of an illegal substance.”
He will report to pre-season training in November as planned.
“Carlton Football Club is aware that Elijah Hollands has received a court summons relating to possession of an illicit substance,” the club said in a statement.
“The club was informed last month by Hollands, who was a Gold Coast Suns player at the time, given their current interest in bringing him to the football club.
“An informed decision was then made to proceed with recruitment and the club will now provide the necessary support to Hollands.
“He will begin pre-season training as soon as he resumes in November.
“As the matter is currently before the courts, the club will make no further comment at this time.”
In a statement, Gold Coast said: “The Gold Coast Suns can confirm that former player Elijah Hollands has received a court summons for one count of possession of a small quantity of an illicit substance.
“All players receive extensive training on the AFL illicit drug policy and are fully aware of the behaviors and standards expected of them as AFL players.
“The AFL Integrity Unit has been alerted and is conducting its own investigation.
“As the matter is currently before the courts, the club will make no further comment at this stage.”
The news comes on the same day it was revealed Melbourne’s Joel Smith had been provisionally suspended for consuming an illicit substance days before a Round 23 match.
