Ban for Richmond player caught drink-driving, blowing double the legal limit
Sydney Morning Herald
by Marc McGowanFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Richmond footballer Mykelti Lefau has been handed a club-imposed ban after being caught drink-driving with a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit. The incident occurred over the weekend when police in Malvern East conducted a random breath test on Lefau, who registered an evidentiary reading of 0.108. As a result, Lefau will miss Richmond’s opening two matches of the AFL season, including their traditional season-opener against Carlton, and has lost his driver’s licence for 10 months. In addition to the suspension, Lefau has been ordered to donate $2500 to a relevant charity and undergo alcohol behavioural change counselling.
The incident has drawn significant attention not only within the sports community but also internationally, as it highlights the serious consequences of drink-driving. Lefau, who is currently recovering from previous injuries and had shown promise in his pre-season performance, expressed deep remorse for his actions. He acknowledged the poor judgment that led to the incident, apologizing to his club, teammates, and fans. Richmond’s chief executive Shane Dunne emphasized that the club is disappointed with Lefau’s decision, which put both himself and the community at risk. Dunne stated that the suspension and counselling are intended to ensure Lefau learns from this mistake and returns as a better role model.
This case underscores the importance of accountability, particularly for public figures like professional athletes who often serve as role models. While drink-driving incidents are serious in any context, they carry additional weight for those in the public eye due to their influence on fans and the broader community
Verticals
worldaustralia
Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/23/2026