Geelong Cats board holds crisis meeting over concussion deal
Geelong is about to reply to the AFL's please explain as the Cats brace for a potential massive penalty over the secret concussion deal with Jake Kolodjashnij.
The Geelong Cats' board convened a crisis meeting following the fallout from a secret concussion deal with Jake Kolodjashnij. Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield acknowledged that the club had "buggered up," but offered strong defense of club CEO Steve Hocking. The Cats issued a statement, stating they will respond to the AFL's "please explain" letter on Tuesday.
Geelong anticipates potential significant penalties for the secret concussion arrangement with Kolodjashnij, who had a history of concussion. The board met on Monday to strategize their response to the league. Geelong's president, Grant McCabe, acknowledged the challenging time for both the club and supporters. The board will submit their response to the AFL's letter by the end of Tuesday, August 11.
The club remains committed to providing the highest standard of care and support for players. Hocking and AFL chairman Craig Drummond were present when the deal was struck two years ago. Kolodjashnij signed a waiver that effectively transferred legal responsibility for future brain trauma to the club and its medical staff. On the weekend, Hocking defended the club in a radio interview, expressing no intention to alter their actions.
Drummond released a statement apologizing for the deal and stating he would not participate in the AFL's assessment of the situation.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
