CONTROVERSIAL footballer Jake King will not be punished despite defying orders to end his association with former Bandidos boss Toby Mitchell, his club says.

King and Mitchell were photographed seated watching lingerie-clad women play American football at AAMI Park at the weekend - just months after Richmond ordered its player to cut ties with the ex-underworld figurehead.

But Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale said King would escape sanction.

"We're not in a position to be providing rules or formal directions as to who Jake can or cannot mix with," Gale told SEN this morning.

"I don't think we're in a position to do that. We can provide him with advice and guidance and encourage our players to make their own decisions.

"We'll have a chat at some stage today, there's no doubt about that," he said.

It was thought the Tigers could hit King with fines or suspensions for the continuing friendship.

King made no comment to media as he entered the club this morning. He was inside for about 30 minutes.

Former Richmond coach Tony Jewell advised King to "stay away" from underworld figures and "do what the club tells".

"The club's made a ruling so if you want to play in the club, obey the rules," Jewell said outside the club today.

"I'm not sure a lot of the sponsors will be happy with that sort of person (Mitchell) being associated with the club."

Jewell would not say whether he thought King should be penalised.

When asked if he thought the matter was serious, former Richmond star Dale Weightman said "no" as he entered the club today.

It comes after the Australian Crime Commission has warned athletes who associated with criminals put themselves in danger of corruption.

Richmond told King, 29, his association with the former bikie enforcer was totally unacceptable after Mitchell was invited by the firebrand into the Richmond rooms at the MCG during last season's Round 20 win over Brisbane.

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It also warned its entire playing list how important it is that they do not associate with criminals in any way.

"Jake has been counselled specifically on that issue and our playing group are counselled more broadly about off-field issues, as would be the case at all clubs," a spokesman said at the time.

The Herald Sun can reveal the latest meeting is at least the second time the duo have been seen together in a public place since his "counselling".

A witness said King and Mitchell looked "the best of mates" at the skimpy-dressed women's gridiron match, chatting through the Legends Football League game.

The friends were only separated when Mitchell walked down to a VIP area on the field after the game, with King appearing to keep his distance.

The Richmond forward was also seen with Mitchell at Fog restaurant in Greville Street, Prahran, on November 16.

It came only days after Mitchell told Bandido members he was quitting the club at a meeting on November 9 and sent out a text to others in the club.

jon.kaila@news.com.au

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