JY SIMPKIN has been injured in an accidental collision with a motorcyclist that has prompted the second-year Kangaroo to impose an alcohol ban on himself for the rest of the season.
Simpkin will miss up to four weeks after he injured his ankle stepping into the path of a motorcyclist while crossing the road in West Melbourne early on Sunday morning.
The 19-year-old had been drinking before the incident and the police have indicated he will be fined for being drunk in a public place and for crossing the road on a red light.
North said in a statement on Tuesday evening that the motorcyclist had not been seriously injured, but scans had revealed Simpkin suffered grade-two lateral ligament damage to his ankle.
The club met with Simpkin earlier on Tuesday when it was agreed the forward would:
- donate $2000 to Road Trauma Support Services
- not drink alcohol for a minimum of six months, and at least until the end of the season
- undertake an educational course on making better choices and dealing with alcohol.
North football manager Cameron Joyce said the club was disappointed in Simpkin's behaviour.
"He had been drinking and unfortunately, he wasn't as alert to his surroundings and as careful as he should have been," Joyce said.
"Jy didn't see the motorcyclist and stepped out in front of him and the accidental collision occurred.
"He is very lucky no one was more seriously hurt."
