ESSENDON has suspended classy Andrew Lovett for two matches for missing a compulsory training session yesterday morning.
Bombers coach Matthew Knights, however, has said there's nothing sinister behind the ban. He said the punishment was fair as Lovett had failed to meet the club's training standards.
"There's nothing too much sinister behind it, there was no trouble or anything when he was out socialising," Knights said. "But it was just the fact he hasn't made the session and we don't think that's in the best interests of the footy club.
"To be blunt, Andrew was having a few drinks. He wasn't too bad when came in on Monday to see me, he certainly had his wits about him, he was fine and was really quite apologetic as you could realise for someone in that situation. It's unfortunate but the leadership group and myself felt (the penalty) was fair."
It's the second time this year Lovett has had a club-imposed ban. The 25-year-old was also suspended in late February for Essendon's pre-season campaign after skipping a training session.
Knights revealed Lovett had undergone counselling after his earlier indiscretion but said his latest misdemeanour had not jeopardised his career at Essendon.
"It's disappointing because Andrew has been playing really good football and since his previous indiscretion earlier in the year he's been exemplary – his training, his attitude and the way he's been presenting himself. So it's a slip-up from Andrew's perspective," Knights said. "It's frustrating but no, that's certainly not the end of him at this football club.
"We're really here to support him because people do make mistakes. He's a good young man and he's had his ups and downs in the past but we're not going to hang him out to dry because, fundamentally, he's a good person."
DARREN MONCRIEFF
AboriginalFootball@westnet.com.au
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Last Modified on 30/07/2008 22:51