Lawyers for paralysed former rugby league player Alex McKinnon have sent a legal letter to Australia's National Rugby League (NRL), amid reports he is planning a multi-million-dollar lawsuit. The NRL confirmed to the BBC it had been contacted by McKinnon's lawyer, but said no claim had been lodged.
The 24-year-old former Newcastle Knights player suffered extensive spinal injuries in a spear tackle by Melbourne Storm's Jordan McLean during a match in 2014. McLean was banned for seven matches for the dangerous tackle. McKinnon now requires a wheelchair for life.
The Daily Telegraph reported that McKinnon is seeking compensation from the NRL and McLean. The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) said on Monday that McKinnon has the right to pursue all legal options, and acknowledged the emotional toll on all involved.
McKinnon previously received the NRL's maximum compensation payout of A$500,000 (£292,452). An additional A$1.5m was raised through a 'Rise For Alex' campaign, and Newcastle paid him A$750,000 to honour a contract extension offered before his injury. He now works for the club in a player recruitment role.
In his autobiography 'Unbroken', McKinnon hinted at legal action, writing: 'If you do something illegal while driving a car and render somebody for the rest of their life in a wheelchair, you pay the consequences.'
