- AFL and AFLPA criticized Geelong for a deal allowing player to keep playing despite concussion history.
- Geelong removed the waiver, acknowledging it went beyond intended scope and lacked AFLPA involvement.
- The decision comes amid ongoing concerns about brain health and CTE in Australian rules football.
What happened
The Australian Football League (AFL) and AFL Players’ Association (AFLPA) have condemned Geelong's attempt to secure a deal with one of their players. This arrangement, which was reported by The Herald Sun more than two years ago, aimed to shield the club from future legal liabilities related to on-field injuries.
Reactions so far
The AFLPA chief executive, James Gallagher, expressed deep concerns about the reported deal. He stated that such an agreement could be in breach of both competition rules and Australian law. 'The game has a duty to provide a workplace that protects the health, safety, and wellbeing of players,' said Gallagher. 'Clubs cannot unilaterally contract out of their obligations under the CBA and standard playing contract, nor attempt to avoid their responsibilities under health and safety laws.'
Background to the story
In a statement on Thursday, Geelong Football Club confirmed that they would remove the waiver with the player in question. 'Geelong Football Club acknowledges that the letter signed with one of its players went further than was intended and recognises the absence of the AFLPA in the process,' said the club. The decision came after significant criticism from various stakeholders, including the AFL and the AFLPA.
What comes next
The move by Geelong is part of broader efforts within Australian rules football to address brain health and concussion. As highlighted, a class action involving over 100 former players has been ongoing for more than two years in Victorian courts. This case includes lead plaintiff Max Rooke, a former Geelong player, as well as former doctors who may face liabilities related to their actions since 1985.
The AFL continues to implement measures to make the game safer and prevent brain injuries. However, the controversy surrounding this incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in protecting players' health.
Source: The Guardian
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