St Kilda have suspended Stephen Milne after the AFL player was charged with four counts of rape.
Saints president Greg Westaway made the announcement at the club headquarters on Wednesday afternoon.
“The board acknowledges this is a most serious matter and one that is distressing to all the parties that are involved,” Westaway said, reading from a prepared statement.
“It also recognises that the extended timeframe of the matter and the complexities of the issues involved make it without precedent.
“The board has resolved that in the best interests of all parties concerned, the duty of care that the club has to Stephen and his family, Stephen will remain a listed player, but will take a leave of absence from playing.”