{
  "id": 4777313,
  "title": "Cats coach speaks for first time since club's concussion fine",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/cats-coach-speaks-for-first-time-since-clubs-concussion-fine",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-01T03:41:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-01/cats-coach-speaks-for-first-time-since-club-concussion-fine/107102770"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Chris Scott, the Geelong coach, has given his first interview since his club was fined $140,000 for inadequately informing the AFL about Jake Kolodjashnij's concussion waiver clause. Kolodjashnij, a Geelong player, has not played an AFL match since the controversy began but has rejoined the squad ahead of the finals. Geelong is set to face Carlton in an elimination final at the MCG on Friday night. The dual premiership coach is uncertain if Kolodjashnij will return to the Cats following the club's disciplinary action. Scott emphasized that he has maintained distance from the situation and that he believes his involvement would not aid the player. The club was previously fined $100,000 and imposed a suspended sanction of $40,000 by the AFL in October 2022 due to an investigation into third-party agreements. Scott reiterated that he has no knowledge of the facts and is not swayed by others' understanding of the situation. He expressed support for the club's stance, accepting the aspects they acknowledge and moving forward. Geelong will have a pre-finals bye before facing Carlton in the elimination final at the MCG on Friday night. Experienced midfielder Tom Atkins dismissed the incident as not distracting the Cats as they pursue their fifth premiership of the century.",
  "summary": "Geelong coach Chris Scott insists he is unsure if Jake Kolodjashnij will play for the Cats again following the club's concussion saga.",
  "key_points": [
    "Geelong coach Chris Scott gave first interview post $140,000 fine",
    "Jake Kolodjashnij, Geelong player, not playing due to concussion issue",
    "Scott uncertain if Kolodjashnij will return after disciplinary action"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The coach's comments indicate he is distancing himself from the concussion controversy, aligning with the club's stance while allowing the disciplinary process to run its course without his input.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News",
        "title": "Cats coach speaks for first time since club's concussion fine",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/cats-coach-speaks-for-first-time-since-clubs-concussion-fine-4783269",
        "published": "2026-09-01T03:41:44.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}