Willie Rioli won't play in this weekend's Showdown amid a storm over the Port Adelaide forward's reported threats to opposition players.
Since reports of Rioli's next-day threat to Bailey Dale, via the Western Bulldogs player's teammate, several more allegations have come to light in regards to comments made on-field in the past.
In response, the 29-year-old has ruled himself out of Saturday's clash with Adelaide, citing the "stress" of the situation.
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"This morning I informed the club that I had withdrawn from Saturday night’s Showdown," Rioli said in a statement through the club.
"With all the stress from this week, I feel it’s best for me and the team that I take a break.
"I again acknowledge that my actions after last weekend’s game against the Bulldogs were totally unacceptable.
"I apologised to Bailey Dale on Monday and I want to publicly apologise again for the stress my actions have caused.
"I say things from time to time on the footy field in the heat of the moment that I wish I didn’t and I’m continuing to work with the club on managing this moving forward.
"It’s not in my true nature or character to say those things and I apologise for any distress I cause to individuals or their families."
Port currently sit in 12th with a 4-4 record ahead of the match against rivals Adelaide, who are 5-3 in 2025.
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According to Nine's Tom Morris, Rioli was set to be be suspended by the AFL anyway, but, in light of his withdrawal, won't be sanctioned by the league.
The AFL won’t suspend Willie Rioli beyond this weekend’s Showdown.
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) May 8, 2025
He withdrew himself anyway, but the league had decided to suspend him for one game regardless. @FootyonNine @9NewsMelb @1116sen