AFL player injured in unprovoked attack

[mighty_tiger_79]

from ninemsn.com

Latest AFL:

Police are appealing for witnesses to an unprovoked attack on an AFL footballer early Tuesday at a popular party spot in Lorne.

Carlton footballer Jarrad Waite was attacked just hours after midnight celebrations at the coastal town in Victoria's south-west.

Victoria Police have confirmed the assault took place, saying it was an "unprovoked" and random attack, and it was believed the attackers had no knowledge of Waite's identity as an AFL footballer.

Carlton claims that Waite, 24, and his girlfriend were assaulted "with bottles" by four people and suffered facial injuries.

Victoria Police spokesman Senior Constable Wayne Wilson said the assault took place about 3.20am (AEDT) at Mount Joy Parade in Lorne.

Snr Const Wayne Wilson said four people were taken into custody at Lorne following the incident.

"The people were released and inquiries are continuing," Snr Const Wilson said.

"Jarrad Waite had facial injuries as a result of the incident."

Police are continuing their investigation of the attack and are appealing for witnesses.

No charges have been laid.

Waite is a top key position player at Carlton, having played 22 games in 2007 and finished third in the John Nicholls Medal count for determine the club's best player.

Carlton chief executive Greg Swann said Waite was an innocent victim of the attack but his status as an AFL footballer played no part in the incident.

"This is very disappointing for Jarrad and his girlfriend who were the innocent victims of an assault that has certainly dampened the start to the New Year for them both," Swann said.

"It is a concern for everyone in the community that such assaults take place, it was a completely random attack, the fact Jarrad is an AFL player had no bearing on the incident."

Swann said the facial injuries would not impact on Waite's pre-season training schedule.

"Importantly for Jarrad and the Carlton Football Club the injuries are not expected to interfere with Jarrad's preparations for the 2008 AFL season," he said.

Waite enjoyed his finest year in 2007, chalking up his 50th AFL appearance and playing every home-and-away game.

He was nominated in the 2001 National AFL

Draft, being selected by Carlton in the third round under the father-son rule.

Police urge any witnesses to Waite's assault to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

[Dirko]

Get better Waitey, he's a top kid who stays out of trouble. Sounds like another case of someone trying to make a name for themselves...

[Fusebox]

Sh!ts me to hear these so called wanna-bees trying to make a name for themselves, having a go at people in the lime light.
These so called "losers" obviously havn't got any sporting ability, yet they get off at ruining the lives of the ones who get off there ass & make a name for themselves.
These jealous wankers need to be dealt with hard when caught, as theres to much of this happening.
Just have a look at the recent events around Henley Beach's (sandbar.Ramsgate etc).
Alot of innocent people who are out for a good night, only to have a group of "losers" spoil it by "thinking" their making hero's of themselves.
What goes around comes around!
I hope Waitey recovers quickly.

[Psyber]

Sh!ts me,to hear these so called wanna-bees trying to make a name for themselves,having a go at people in the lime light.
These so called "losers" obviously havn't got any sporting ability,yet they get off at ruining the lives of the ones who get off there ass & make a name for themselves.
These jealous wankers,need to be dealt with hard when caught,as theres to much of this happening.
Just have a look at the recent events around Henley Beach's (sandbar.Ramsgate etc).
Alot of innocent people,who are out for a good night,only to have a group of "losers" spoil it,by "thinking" their making hero's of themselves.
What goes around,comes around!
I hope Waitey recovers quickly.

Sorry mate, read more carefully.

"...it was believed the attackers had no knowledge of Waite's identity as an AFL footballer."

[Dutchy]

find it hard to believe it was "Random"

[Hondo]

2 guys at work have been jumped like that in the last 24 months - one was hospitalised with a fractured cheekbone

Both nobodies in terms of a public profile

Also young MATTY WRIGHT (ffs! your a North supporter...) from North Adelaide late last year had the same thing happen and what chance the attacker were SANFL fans?

Its an ugly trend

[Dirko]

It's a gutless trend.

This is where the law needs to get tough.

One of my old workmates who was drinking in off season with a Port Power footballer (who was on cokes), got glassed for no reason
in a joint in a beachside suburb. The only reason we could think of was the moron tried to make a name for himself. He glassed him when
the Port bloke went to the toilet. The victim and the Port bloke have been mates since Primary school so hardly a try to get famous
situation.
Missed the artery in his neck by about a centimetre. Had to have his jaw reconstructed.
GUTLESS act.

If he hit the Artery who knows. If it's a deliberate act then make the charge attempted murder.

[Fusebox]

Sh!ts me,to hear these so called wanna-bees trying to make a name for themselves,having a go at people in the lime light.
These so called "losers" obviously havn't got any sporting ability,yet they get off at ruining the lives of the ones who get off there ass & make a name for themselves.
These jealous wankers,need to be dealt with hard when caught,as theres to much of this happening.
Just have a look at the recent events around Henley Beach's (sandbar.Ramsgate etc).
Alot of innocent people,who are out for a good night,only to have a group of "losers" spoil it,by "thinking" their making hero's of themselves.
What goes around,comes around!
I hope Waitey recovers quickly.

Sorry mate, read more carefully.

"...it was believed the attackers had no knowledge of Waite's identity as an AFL footballer."

I did read it very carefully, of course they're going to say that!



SJABC-couldn't agree more with you mate, i was there that night.
A real gutless act.

[Punk Rooster]

These cnuts need to be locked away from society for a very long time.
They are savages, treat them as such.

[Mr66]

'Unprovoked' !?!

He's a Carlton player so he probably deserved it.

[Punk Rooster]

'Unprovoked' !?!

He's a Carlton player so he probably deserved it.

Not sure how you can find any joke in this disgusting & cowardly attack.

[Dirko]

'Unprovoked' !?!

He's a Carlton player so he probably deserved it.

Not sure how you can find any joke in this disgusting & cowardly attack.

Well Said Punk

Mr 66

[pom pom]

'Unprovoked' !?!

He's a Carlton player so he probably deserved it.

Your one of the JERKOFFS we are talking about! What if one of your family got bottled and then someone says 'oh its only JERKOFFS family,WHO CARES!" There is absolutely no funny side to these incidences,just ask David Hookes family. Moron!