Shane Tuck took his own life after receiving repeated head knocks as a footballer and boxer. Now a coroner says the AFL must change
The AFL should limit the number of contact training sessions and hire independent doctors to assess players who receive head knocks to reduce the risk of concussion, a Victorian coroner has recommended.
Coroner John Cain on Monday handed down his findings into the death of former AFL player Shane Tuck.
Tuck had been hearing voices, had suicidal thoughts and was forced to stay in a psychiatric ward in the years before he took his own life in July 2020, the inquest was told.
Judge Cain said it was accepted Tuck received repeated head knocks in his 173 games for AFL club Richmond and while competing as a professional boxer.
The 38-year-old was diagnosed with a severe form of the degenerative brain condition chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) after his death.
Judge Cain did not make findings into the nature of Tuck’s death, instead looking at preventative measures in sport to reduce concussion.
He recommended the AFL limit the number of contact training sessions players participate in before, during and after the regular season.
The sporting body should also employ independent medical practitioners to attend every AFL and AFLW match to help club doctors assess players after head knocks.
They should jointly decide whether the player should be removed from the game but if there’s a disagreement, the independent advice wins out, Judge Cain said.
Tuck’s sister Renee Tuck welcomed the findings, saying it was an emotional but uplifting day.
This is very important to my family as we were unaware of this disease whilst Shane was suffering so badly before his death, she said in a statement.
I would like to think he has had a huge part is helping those of the future from ever going through the traumatic experience that he did.
He is forever our warrior and today is a very emotional day, however uplifting that Shane can have a legacy to help others in the future.
The AFL has yet to respond to the recommendations.
Concussions and head injuries have been a growing concern in contact sports, with increasing evidence pointing to long-term neurological damage caused by repeated trauma.
Sports leagues around the world have been implementing stricter protocols to protect athletes and identify potential long-term effects of head injuries.
However, the death of Shane Tuck sheds light on the need for further action and reform within the AFL.
By limiting the number of contact training sessions, players would have more time to recover and reduce the risk of further head knocks.
The recommendation to hire independent doctors to assess players after head knocks is also crucial in ensuring objective evaluation and proper care.
The involvement of independent medical practitioners would provide an unbiased perspective, prioritizing players’ health and well-being above all else.
While the AFL has made efforts to address concussion risks in recent years, Judge Cain’s recommendations highlight the need for continued vigilance and improvement.
Implementing these changes would not only protect current players but also set a precedent for other sports organizations to prioritize player safety and mental well-being.
The tragic loss of Shane Tuck should serve as a catalyst for change, prompting the AFL and other sporting bodies to reevaluate their practices and prioritize the health and safety of athletes.
Though it comes too late for Tuck himself, his legacy can help prevent others from suffering a similar fate by prompting meaningful reforms within the AFL.
