North Melbourne has announced Alastair Clarkson will take indefinite leave from his position as head coach.
A North Melbourne statement confirmed Clarkson would take time away from the club "to focus on his physical and emotional wellbeing".
Clarkson, in his first season as North Melbourne coach, is the subject of an ongoing investigation into allegations of racism during his time as Hawthorn coach. He has consistently maintained his innocence.
North's general manager of football, Todd Viney, fronted the media on Thursday afternoon, explaining Clarkson informed the club of his wishes to take leave on Wednesday night.
"Unfortunately, we've lost our coach late yesterday," Viney said.
"[Clarkson] basically outlined that the previous eight months, where he's had to deal with the Hawthorn investigation and the serious allegations that have been made through that complaint, and not having a voice for that period of time has really weighed him down in the mental space.
"He's bravely fought on through this period to be the North Melbourne Football Club senior coach and that's a really serious role in itself, one that he is fully passionate about doing and helping to build this club up to be a great club again."
Viney said he expected Clarkson would return to his position before the end of the season.
"if you asked anyone within the four walls about how he had been going, they wouldn't have been able to tell how much pressure he was under because he's done an amazing job in building relationships, helping set the foundation for this club moving forward," Viney said.
"But, when he leaves this workplace and he goes home, and then he is dealing with the constant unknown around this investigation, it's really taken a mental toll, to the point where he just feels like he needs to get himself right before he can help his family, first and foremost, and us as a club."
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said the league supported Clarkson's decision and praised his "great courage".
"We understand how much the investigation by the independent panel into allegations of racism has impacted on all people involved, including Alastair, and believe the investigation needs to find resolution," McLachlan said.
"It is a heavy burden being carried by all parties involved and the wellbeing of everyone who is a part of this process is the key priority for our game.
"It takes great courage to stand up and say you need to focus on your own personal wellbeing and we support Alastair in doing what he needs to do in the best interests of himself and his family. We will continue to provide support to all parties."
Clarkson expressed his frustration last week at the length of time the Hawthorn investigation was taking, and Viney said those comments were indicative of Clarkson's mental state.
"I think that was the window into his mindset, and you got a good feel for the animosity he's got towards the Hawthorn Football Club.
"The club he served for seven years, four premierships, had such an influence on so many people within that footy club, for a process to unfold, such serious allegations to be had, and have no reply to that process. It has been enormously hurtful to him."
Experienced assistant coach Brett Ratten will take over the head coach position in Clarkson's absence.
Brisbane coach Chris Fagan, who is also involved in the Hawthorn investigation, released his own statement on Thursday afternoon in support of Clarkson.
"The deeply flawed process that we have been subjected to has taken a heavy toll. It has been profoundly damaging and unfair," Fagan said.
"It is my hope that it will very soon come to an appropriate end. In the meantime, Clarko's physical and mental wellbeing must come first."
North Melbourne initially released a statement on Thursday morning confirming Clarkson's decision.
"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 Sonja Hood said in the statement.
"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."
