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September 11, 2006
Lonergan Recovering As Otto Gets Blotto
Courageous Cat Tom Lonergan has thanked fans and wellwishers as he recovers in Geelong Hospital after the removal of a kidney.The key defender is on the mend, but it could still be weeks before he leaves hospital.
Lonergan has been told that he has lost a kidney, but whether he plays football again is still to be decided.
Speaking through his manager, Anthony McConville, Lonergan said he was "amazed at the overwhelming support from Geelong Football Club, family, friends and people from right around Australia".
Mr McConville said Lonergan really appreciated the support, which was helping his recovery.
"He's keen to get out of hospital and get on with his life," he said.
Great stuff Tommy, may your recovery continue uninterupted.
Geelong forward Brad Ottens has dealt the embattled Cats another blow by being caught drink-driving.he AFL player recorded a blood-alcohol reading of 0.116, more than double the legal limit, after being pulled over by police for a breath test in Doncaster about 1am yesterday.
The incident has left the club, suffering from a woeful on-field season, coaching crisis and kidney injury to Tom Lonergan, reeling.
Geelong chief executive Brian Cook said the Ottens incident was "unfortunate timing".
"It's extremely disappointing and frustrating. We've had our fair share of problems recently. We haven't had a good year," he said.
"I just wish we could put these things behind us."
Mr Cook said Ottens would face disciplinary action under the AFL Player's Code of Conduct.
He could also lose his licence for 11 months and be fined $450.
Mr Cook said the incident was Ottens' "first strike" since joining the Cats two years ago.
He did not know Ottens had been suspended for a match over drunkenness while at the Tigers in 2000.
"I wasn't aware of that," he said.
"He's been among the more mature players at the club. We expect more of him."
Mr Cook, who was relieved no one was injured by Ottens' mistake, said the player's career was not under threat.
"He's still contracted with us. In my opinion, that's not in jeopardy," he said.
Mr Cook said Ottens had dinner and a few drinks at a hotel in Templestowe with his brother before being stopped for a random breath test on Manningham Rd.
He said Ottens had been taken to the Doncaster police station for further testing and a reading of 0.116 had been recorded.
Mr Cook said Ottens was extremely remorseful.
Stupid, dangerous & totally unprofessional. This is the last thing we need and combined with the Scarlett statement our lack of discipline & leadership at the club is really showing right now. It appears the playing staff are as big a shambles as they are off the field as they are on it.
Posted by Sammy D at September 11, 2006 01:17 PM