AFL player injured in unprovoked attack
Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008 12:48 pmfrom 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.
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.
