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Melbourne coach Steven King insists he and Demons football boss Alan Richardson remain in a “really good” space following revelations the pair had been named in a lawsuit brought by Sachi Dade, the partner of former star defender Steven May.
Dade launched Federal Court proceedings against the club, King and Richardson, alleging the disclosure of private information, stemming from a Microsoft Teams meeting in February involving partners of Demons players.
May, who played 128 games for Melbourne (including the 2021 premiership), announced his sudden retirement on March 1, just a few days prior to the commencement of this season.
The champion defender had been on personal leave from the club after a police visit to his home. There were no charges and the matter was closed.
For legal reasons, King wouldn’t be drawn on the specifics of the case, but did confirm he and Richardson are handling it well.
“I can’t obviously comment about that,” King said.
“For me, I’m just here to coach the footy club and do that.
“I’m fine, Richo [is] as well – really good.
“Obviously I can’t comment [further] on that as it’s before the courts.”
May had a chequered history at the Demons, his exploits as one of the league’s best backmen intertwined with behavioural issues, on and off the field.
In 2022, while under concussion protocols, 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 loss to Collingwood in the annual King’s Birthday match against Collingwood, May and Melbourne captain Max Gawn were involved in a fiery, on-field confrontation.
Early in his career, while playing for Gold Coast in 2013, May had his jaw broken by a punch from Suns teammate Campbell Brown at a Los Angeles nightclub.
Demons defender Ed Langdon played alongside May, including the 2021 flag.
He wouldn’t comment on whether he or any of the current Demons have been in recent contact with May, although he suggested it’s likely some of his teammates still are.
“I won’t speak on behalf of other players,” he said.
“But I guess as a premiership teammate of a handful of guys left, I’m sure some of those guys still have a relationship with Steven.”
Langdon hasn’t observed any change in King’s demeanour since the news of Dade’s suit broke.
“I haven’t noticed anything different about him,” Langdon said.
“He’s quite softly spoken and sure of himself.
“He’s doing an unbelievable job.”
