Partner of retired Melbourne player Steven May sues Demons, coach Steven King and head of football Alan Richardson
Melbourne coach Steven King insists he and Demons football boss Alan Richardson remain on “really good” ground after the pair were named in a lawsuit brought by former star defender Steven May’s partner Sachi Dade.
Dade launched Federal Court proceedings against the club, King and Richardson, over alleged disclosure of private information arising from a Microsoft Teams meeting in February involving partners of Demons players.
May, who played 128 games for Melbourne (including the 2021 championship), announced his sudden retirement on March 1, just a few days before the start of this season.
The champion defender had received personal leave from the club following a police visit to his home. There were no charges and the matter was closed.
For legal reasons, King did not address specifics of the case but confirmed that he and Richardson handled the matter well.
“I honestly can’t comment on that,” King said.
“For me, I’m just here to coach the football club and do that.
“I’m fine, Richo. [is] at the same time – really good.
“Of course I can’t comment [further] “This matter is the same as in the courts.”
May had a checkered history with the Demons; His accomplishments as one of the league’s best backers were intertwined with behavioral problems on and off the field.
While under concussion protocols in 2022, May was involved in an altercation with teammate Jake Melsham inside and outside Prahran restaurant Entrecote.
In the closing stages of last year’s one-point defeat to Collingwood in the annual King’s Birthday match against Collingwood, May and Melbourne captain Max Gawn engaged in a heated on-field clash.
Earlier in his career, May, who played for the Gold Coast in 2013, broke his jaw with a punch from Suns teammate Campbell Brown at a nightclub in Los Angeles.
Demons defender Ed Langdon played alongside May, including the 2021 flag.
He did not comment on whether he or any of the current Demons had been in recent contact with May, but suggested some of his teammates probably still are.
“I won’t speak for the other players,” he said.
“But I think as a teammate with a bunch of guys, I’m sure some of those guys are still involved with Steven.”
Langdon did not observe any change in King’s demeanor since Dade’s case came to light.
“I didn’t notice anything different about him,” Langdon said.
“He is very soft spoken and confident.
“He does an incredible job.”
