Lions come down hard on youngster for contract breach
RHAN HOOPER has been slapped with a $40,000 fine from the Brisbane Lions for breaches of his playing contract relating to his absence from pre-season training in December.
Hooper, 21, was a no-show last month and was given a 28-day suspension from the club. He has since resumed training -- and is reportedly showing greater application -- but was fined for failing to achieve the 'team's set benchmark standards', relating to his pre-season fitness levels, upon his return.
The fine is one of the largest club-imposed fines handed down to an individual in the AFL in recent times.
In a club statement released last night (reproduced in full below), the Lions said Hooper, who has played 39 senior games since joining the club in 2005, had accepted the club's decision.
Statement from Brisbane Lions AFC
"The Brisbane Lions AFC wishes to advise that fourth-year senior player Rhan Hooper has been fined $40,000 by the club for persistent and serious breaches of his playing contract.
"Hooper failed to achieve the team's set benchmark standards upon returning from his club-imposed 28-day suspension. Despite showing a greater level of commitment towards his training, the 21 year-old Queenslander's failure to meet the set standards during this period has resulted in further sanction.
"After much consideration and deliberation, the club decided against terminating Hooper's playing contract and instead imposed a $40,000 fine for his repeated breaches of the players' Code of Conduct as per the AFL/AFLPA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement.
"Hooper has agreed to the sanction and will resume training with the club immediately.
"The Lions coaching staff and players fully support Hooper and will continue working with him in the best interests of both the player and the Lions.
"The club will be making no further comment at this stage."
DARREN MONCRIEFF
Darren@AboriginalFootball.com.au
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Last Modified on 13/01/2009 01:47