North Melbourne Football Club coach Alastair Clarkson has stepped away from the club.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The senior AFL coach is taking time to "focus on his physical and emotional wellbeing", the club announced on May 18.
It follows an investigation into racism claims at the Hawthorn Football Club while Clarkson was senior coach.
He has denied any wrongdoing.
The Kangaroos' assistant coach Brett Ratten will step up as interim senior coach.
"The club is providing its full support to Alastair and we commend him for making this important decision to put his health first," North Melbourne president Dr Sonja Hood said.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"Everyone involved has been deeply affected by the Hawthorn investigation and the burden on Alastair has been significant.
"We will give Alastair whatever time he needs to restore his health and look forward to welcoming him back when he is fully fit.
"We have strong leaders at our club who will step up and support and coach our team while Alastair spends time focusing on his health.
"We are fortunate to have someone of Brett Ratten's experience and capability to coach the team in the interim."
The club has asked the media for privacy for Clarkson and his family.
