Former quick bowler Mitchell Johnson has warned Will Pucovski’s concussion lawsuit in opposition to his old-fashioned may have main penalties throughout sport.
Pucovski, 28, not too long ago reached a confidential monetary settlement with Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria over the repeated head knocks that introduced his promising profession to an early finish.
The previous Check opener formally retired from cricket in April 2025 after struggling a minimum of 13 documented concussions.
He continues to expertise critical well being issues, together with complications, nausea, imaginative and prescient points and problem finishing duties on the left facet of his physique.
Pucovski has additionally launched separate authorized motion in opposition to Brighton Grammar College over its alleged dealing with of a head harm he suffered throughout an Australian guidelines soccer coaching session in 2014.
His assertion of declare alleges he was knocked unconscious after being struck within the temple by a teammate’s knee when he was 16.
Will Pucovski reached a confidential settlement with Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria after repeated concussions ended his enjoying profession
Mitchell Johnson (centre) warned Pucovski’s separate lawsuit in opposition to Brighton Grammar may have far-reaching penalties for faculties and sporting organisations nationwide
The previous Check opener retired from skilled cricket aged 27 after struggling a minimum of 13 documented concussions
Pucovski claims he didn’t obtain an applicable medical evaluation and was allowed to return to coaching shortly afterwards.
The allegations haven’t been examined in court docket.
Writing for The Nightly earlier than Pucovski’s settlement with the cricket our bodies was reported, Johnson mentioned the college case raised tough questions on the place an organisation’s obligation of care ended and an athlete’s private accountability started.
‘Will Pucovski concussion case might open up a can of worms,’ the headline learn.
Johnson accepted {that a} teenage athlete couldn’t be anticipated to make a sound determination after being knocked unconscious.
Pucovski has beforehand recalled being helped from the sphere earlier than a coach requested whether or not he wished to proceed coaching.
‘I actually bought walked to the sidelines. After which my solely reminiscence was the coach coming as much as me and being like ‘Do you wish to hold coaching?’ he mentioned at a Taverners perform in Melbourne.
‘It’s most likely the largest day of my life in a bizarre approach as a result of I’ve by no means felt the identical since that day.
Pucovski alleges he was allowed to renew soccer coaching after being knocked unconscious in school when he was 16
The previous batter mentioned he has by no means felt the identical since struggling the top harm throughout coaching in 2014
‘I went from somebody who would do something and all the pieces to mainly sitting on the sofa doing nothing for an prolonged interval.’
Johnson mentioned younger athletes nearly at all times wished to maintain enjoying, making it obligatory for accountable adults to intervene.
‘A young person who has simply been knocked unconscious shouldn’t resolve whether or not he’s match to proceed,’ Johnson wrote.
Nonetheless, the previous Check fast questioned how far accountability may prolong when athletes continued competing in sports activities the place harm was an accepted danger.
He famous Pucovski returned to cricket after a number of subsequent concussions whereas pursuing his ambition of representing Australia.
Johnson acknowledged these comebacks might have occurred with medical clearance {and professional} recommendation, however argued the athlete’s dedication to proceed ought to stay a part of the dialogue.
He additionally drew on his personal expertise with 4 again stress fractures and recalled bowling by way of ache throughout his worldwide profession.
Johnson mentioned cricketers understood that selections made in pursuit of elite success may have an effect on their well being lengthy after retirement.
Johnson mentioned an unconscious teenager ought to by no means be liable for deciding whether or not they’re medically match to proceed coaching
Pucovski now coaches Melbourne Cricket Membership and works as a Channel Seven commentator
‘Sporting organisations should be accountable for negligence,’ he wrote.
‘Athletes should additionally settle for that some accidents are an unavoidable a part of selecting to compete.’
Pucovski was thought of one among Australia’s brightest batting prospects after scoring consecutive Sheffield Defend double-centuries in the course of the 2020-21 season.
He made his Check debut in opposition to India on the SCG in January 2021, scoring 62 and 10.
A shoulder harm suffered whereas fielding dominated him out of the next Check and required reconstructive surgical procedure.
His concussion issues continued, together with additional blows throughout coaching and Sheffield Defend matches.
An impartial medical panel beneficial in June 2024 that he retire following his thirteenth documented concussion. Pucovski formally ended his enjoying profession the next April.
He completed with a first-class common of 45.19 from 36 matches, together with seven centuries.
Pucovski now coaches Melbourne Cricket Membership in Victorian Premier Cricket and works as a Channel Seven commentator in the course of the Large Bash League season.
His case in opposition to Brighton Grammar stays earlier than the Supreme Courtroom of Victoria.
