Waite assaulted during NYE celebrations
The Age | January 1, 2008 - 8:44PM
Carlton key position player Jarrad Waite was the victim of a New Year's Eve assault in Lorne in which he suffered minor facial injuries.
The AFL club claims that Waite, 24, and his girlfriend "were assaulted with bottles" by four suspects early Tuesday morning.
Victoria Police confirmed four suspects were taken into custody and have since been interviewed and released pending further inquiries.
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," said Swann in a statement.
"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."
"Importantly for Jarrad and the Carlton Football Club the injuries are not expected to interfere with Jarrad's preparations for the 2008 AFL season," said Swann.
Victoria Police spokesman Senior Constable Wayne Wilson said four people were taken into custody at Lorne after Waite was assaulted.
"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 incident. No charges have been laid.
http://news.theage.com.au/waite-assaulted-during-nye-celebrations/20080101-1js8.html
