AFL commentator and former North Melbourne player David King is under police investigation for bets he allegedly placed on last year’s Rising Star award.

Brisbane’s Lewis Taylor won the prestigious young player award, but was second favourite behind Marcus Bontempelli of the Western Bulldogs.

Channel Seven reported on Thursday that the Victorian Police sporting integrity unit started investigating late last year whether King had inside knowledge about the award result.

• Beau Waters forced to clear out his hurt locker
• Essendon’s ‘Expendables’ report for duty

It is understood that King made a series of bets on the Rising Star award.

“Victoria Police is currently investigating a referral from the AFL in regards to an allegation of suspicious betting activity, reported to have occurred last year,” the police said in a statement.

“As this investigation is ongoing we are not in a position to provide further comment.”

King reportedly is yet to be formally interviewed or charged.

Seven also quoted King as saying he had no inside knowledge about the Rising Star result and had been spruiking Taylor’s chances a couple of months before the September awards function.

King, who turns 43 next month, played 241 games for the Kangaroos between 1994-2004 and was a member of the 1996 and `99 premiership teams.

The defender and wingman was also a two-time All Australian.

He has TV, radio and newspaper commentary roles.