Richmond AFL Star Noah Balta Pleads Guilty to Assault

Balta faces sentencing in March after admitting to a December incident that left a man hospitalized with a head injury.

Noah Balta, a 25-year-old Richmond Tigers defender, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm in Corowa Local Court.
The incident occurred on December 30 at the Mulwala Water Ski Club, where a 27-year-old man sustained a head laceration and was hospitalized.
Richmond suspended Balta for four AFL matches on January 9 and announced he would undergo counseling and education programs.
Balta remains on bail and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 27; he will continue training with his team during his suspension.
The AFL has supported Richmond's response to the incident, while Balta remains a key player for the club after signing a seven-year contract extension in October.