{
  "id": 551815,
  "title": "Cats confirm Kolodjashnij unavailable to play amid concussion waiver saga",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/cats-confirm-kolodjashnij-unavailable-to-play-amid-concussion-waiver",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-11T09:24:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News",
    "slug": "abc-news",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-11/cats-confirm-kolodjashnij-unavailable-amid-concussion-saga/107025360"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Geelong defender Jake Kolodjashnij will not be available for either VFL or AFL play this weekend as the team grapples with a concussion waiver controversy. The Cats gave the AFL until the end of Tuesday to explain why a secret waiver, undisclosed to the AFL or AFLPA, was signed by Kolodjashnij. The 31-year-old will not be considered for selection due to the club's priority on his care and wellbeing. The controversy began when Kolodjashnij revealed he was the player involved in the secret agreement with the club. The waiver, which transferred legal responsibility for future brain injuries to Kolodjashnij, has since been removed from his contract. Geelong had to make a crisis decision on Monday when the AFL demanded an explanation about the waiver. The club is currently awaiting potential sanctions from the AFL Commission, which has hired independent legal counsel to assess the situation.",
  "summary": "Geelong confirms Jake Kolodjashnij will not be available for selection at VFL or AFL level this weekend as the spotlight continues to shine on the club over the controversial secret concussion waiver in his contract.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News AU",
        "title": "Cats confirm Kolodjashnij unavailable to play amid concussion waiver saga",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/cats-confirm-kolodjashnij-unavailable-to-play-amid-concussion-waiver-553756",
        "published": "2026-08-11T09:24:22.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}