WESTERN Bulldogs midfielder Tom Liberatore has been suspended by his club for the remainder of the season after being found unconscious in a Melbourne street by police following his team’s 54-point loss to North Melbourne.
Liberatore, 20, was questioned over drug offences after he collapsed on King Street about 3.30am yesterday.
A police spokeswoman said officers found a 20-year-old Essendon North man lying on a footpath. He was believed to be dropping in and out of consciousness.
The spokeswoman said the man regained consciousness and was taken home by a family member.
“Police have interviewed the man in relation to alleged drug offences and he has been placed on a diversion program,” the spokeswoman said.
The Western Bulldogs reportedly were made aware of the incident yesterday morning.
A Bulldogs spokesperson said that Liberatore would not play again this season after being suspended.
In addition to the suspension the Bulldogs leadership group issued Liberatore a $5,000 suspended fine and enforced a requirement that Tom undergo club-driven counselling and education and be engaged in full-time employment for the next six weeks. Liberatore will also not be allowed to train with the playing group for the duration of the suspension.
Bulldogs Chief Executive Simon Garlick said that Tom’s actions went against the core values of the Western Bulldogs Football Club.
“There is absolutely no place for this behaviour at our football club,” Garlick said.
“To say we are all completely disappointed in Tom is an absolute understatement.
“We expect Tom to take this time to reflect on his behaviour and the impact it has had on those around him, especially his family, teammates, coaches and all those associated with the club,” Garlick said.
“Despite this grave error of judgement we continue to believe that Tom is a young man that has the brightest of futures and we are one hundred per cent behind him during this time.
“Tom has made a mistake – but as one of ours we will help him to learn from this experience and become a better person, and player, for it.”
Tom has expressed his deep repentance for his actions.
“I am deeply sorry for my actions and want to sincerely apologise to everyone, especially my family, teammates, coaches, supporters and all those connected with the Club, for my stupidity,” Tom said today.
“I recognise the huge opportunity I have been given – and feel devastated that I have let my team mates and the Club down.
“I will be doing everything in my power to learn from this and to earn back the trust and respect of those around me.”
The Western Bulldogs say they have fully co-operated with police in relation to the matter and have also informed the AFL of the club’s actions.
Midfielder Liberatore, son of 1990 Brownlow medallist Tony Liberatore, a Bulldogs legend, has played 33 games in two seasons, making an impressive start to his AFL career after being drafted under the father-son rule.
Like his father, he is a left-footer, but he possesses more pace and height than his dad, who played 283 games for the Dogs between 1986 and 2002.
Tom averages 19.5 possessions and nearly five tackles per game, playing in the Bulldogs engine room. He won the Chris Grant Medal for Bulldogs’ best first year player last season.
On the field, he is self-possessed beyond his years, composed, hard-working and courageous.
– with Jon Pierik.
