CARLTON veteran Dale Thomas has been dumped to the VFL this week after he opted to drink alcohol last Friday night – 48 hours before the Blues' loss to St Kilda.
After explaining his actions to key Blues officials and the player leadership group on Tuesday, the 31-year-old has been stood down for Sunday's clash against Essendon at the MCG.
It is understood Thomas explained to the Blues that he consumed three to four glasses of wine at the Camp Quality fundraiser at Melbourne's Grand Hyatt.
PRESSURE TEST Saints survive heat from feisty Blues
While the Blues were reluctant to drop a first-choice player for a crunch match, the decision came as the club felt it was a bad look for the younger members of its list.
Carlton officials were made aware of Thomas' actions on the eve of the round 10 loss to the Saints that left the Blues at 1-9 and coach Brendon Bolton under more pressure to retain his job into 2020.
Thomas' consumption of alcohol came just three days after co-captain Patrick Cripps led a player-only review following the round nine loss to Greater Western Sydney where he called for greater discipline.
Below: Dale Thomas with partner Natasha Bongiorno at the Grand Hyatt on Friday night. Picture: Instagram
Thomas' consumption of alcohol came just three days after co-captain Patrick Cripps led a player-only review following the round nine loss to Greater Western Sydney where he called for greater discipline.
It also came in the same week that the former Magpie was fined $7500 for calling a boundary umpire a "f***ing cheat."
"My decision to have a drink on Friday night was a poor one, especially given the week after fronting the tribunal," Thomas said in a statement on Tuesday.
"I let my guard down at the event and this is not an excuse in any way, clearly I need to be better.
"I want to make it clear that this is not a reflection of my character and in hindsight I understand the impact the choice I made can have on our group.
"My role as an experienced player at our football club is one that I value enormously and I look forward to hopefully earning my way back into the senior side."
Find Trends on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify
As part of the Blues' investigation into Thomas' drinking, the club also quizzed former Carlton ruckman Robbie Warnock, present at the function, for further details.
The Blues learnt that Thomas accidentally spilled alcohol on his former teammate.
WHO MAKES FINALS? Do the 2019 Ladder Predictor
"Dale simply made a bad decision, which he has acknowledged and completely understands the disappointment expressed by his teammates," head of football Brad Lloyd said.
"The sanction imposed is based solely on the standards the playing group are driving and will continue to do so.
"Dale will no doubt do everything he possibly can to make himself available for selection next week."
It is not the first time the Blues have been forced to address a player's off-field behaviour.
The entire Carlton playing group spent a day of community service at Ravenhall Prison in January after recruit Alex Fasolo broke his arm at an Australia Day party.
