Former St Kilda star Nicky Winmar has avoided jail over an assault on a cab driver in March.
Winmar was instead sentenced to a 12-month community corrections order, including 100 hours of community service, after pleading guilty to recklessly causing injury.
The Melbourne Magistrates' Court was told Winmar was "significantly inebriated" when he attempted to catch a taxi after the AFL game between St Kilda and Essendon on March 30.
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Winmar and his partner got into an argument with the cab driver after being asked to prepay their fare.
Winmar was then confronted by the driver after getting out, with the pair pushing each other.
He hit the cab driver with punches to the cheek and chin, before hitting and kicking the man while he was on the ground. Police then intervened.
The driver went to hospital with a split lip and facial and body bruising.
He was subsequently unable to work for several weeks.
Winmar's defence lawyer, Sam Norton, asked the magistrate to consider the media scrutiny when making her decision.
He said the media treatment of Winmar last time he left court was disgraceful.
"It was a level of scrutiny and badgering that goes well beyond the ordinary," he said.
"There was a hounding and a surrounding of him, it was a daunting thing for him to have to confront."
He also pointed out Winmar's achievements.
"He has made enormous contributions in a number of ways," Mr Norton said.
His original court date was moved so he could attend a statue unveiling in Perth in July, which commemorated the moment Winmar lifted his jumper and pointed to his skin, after racist abuse from Collingwood fans in 1993.
The 2.75m statue is located at Optus Stadium.
Winmar played 251 games for St Kilda and the Western Bulldogs.