{
  "id": 291492,
  "title": "AFL chair apologises for his part in Cats concussion contract saga",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/afl-chair-apologises-for-his-part-in-cats-concussion-contract-saga",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-08T02:50:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-08/craig-drummond-apologises-jake-kolodjashnij-concussion-contract/107012630"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "AFL Commission chairman Craig Drummond has formally apologized for his involvement in Geelong's controversial concussion contract with player Jake Kolodjashnij. Drummond, who served as Geelong's president two years ago, was responsible for overseeing the signing of the contract. The AFL is expected to impose a fine on the Cats for the contract, with discussions set to take place over the weekend. Drummond clarified that the club erred in keeping the process confidential and that he will not be part of any future deliberations. AFL boss Andrew Dillon echoed Drummond's sentiments, stating that the situation is complex and unique, but acknowledged that concussion is a worldwide issue affecting contact sports.",
  "summary": "AFL Commission chairman Craig Drummond issues a statement apologising for his part in the Jake Kolodjashnij concussion contract saga.",
  "key_points": [
    "AFL chairman Craig Drummond apologizes for role in Cats' concussion contract.",
    "Drummond oversaw contract signing as Geelong's president two years ago.",
    "AFL to likely fine Cats for contract's confidential handling."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The AFL chair's apology signals a bid to contain reputational damage to both himself and the league, as the governing body prepares to sanction Geelong over its handling of the contentious contract.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News AU",
        "title": "AFL issues Cats a 'please explain' over defender's concussion contract",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/afl-issues-cats-a-please-explain-over-defenders-concussion-contract",
        "published": "2026-08-07T21:35:39.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}