Lawyers for paralysed former rugby league player Alex McKinnon have written to Australia's National Rugby League (NRL), amid reports he is planning a multi-million-dollar lawsuit. The NRL confirmed to the BBC that it had been contacted by McKinnon's legal team, but said no formal claim had been lodged.
McKinnon, 24, suffered extensive spinal injuries during a spear tackle by Melbourne Storm players in 2014, leaving him wheelchair-bound for life. The Daily Telegraph reported that the lawsuit names Storm player Jordan McLean, who was banned for seven matches for the dangerous tackle.
The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) backed McKinnon on Monday, stating that he has the right to pursue all legal options. The RLPA also acknowledged the emotional toll on those involved in the incident and pledged to protect the rights of all parties throughout any legal process.
McKinnon previously received the NRL's maximum compensation payout of A$500,000, along with A$1.5m from a public fundraising campaign. His former club, Newcastle Knights, also 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.'
