Hunter hit with multiple sanctions by Western Bulldogs

Lachie Hunter has received a four-match ban and a hefty fine among other punishments following his drink driving incident.

A Western Bulldogs statement reads that Hunter, who blew 0.123 after an accident involving four parked cars last Thursday night, has been suspended by the club for four games upon the season resuming and fined “$5000 for drink driving and suspended fines totalling a further $15,000 for multiple other breaches”.

Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains has also confirmed that the midfielder has opted to step down from his vice-captaincy role while “relinquishing his position in the leadership group”.

The 25-year-old has also been ordered to “undertake mandatory alcohol education and counselling and a form of community service”.

Teammate Billy Gowers has also been fined $5,000 for his conduct in the event and aftermath while Bailey Smith, along with Hunter, “have been issued fines for being found to be in breach of the travel and social distancing directions issued by the Chief Health Officer”.

Hunter has agreed to compensate the owners of each of the vehicles that were damaged.

He was remorseful for his actions, admitting that he had disappointed a lot of people.

“I’d like to express my deepest apologies and regret for my actions last Thursday night,” he said on the club’s official website.

“I’m here to take full responsibility for what I did and the damages that I caused. It’s never responsible to get behind the wheel after you’ve had a drink. Drink driving is clearly not acceptable and a real scare for what could have been with some drink driving victims and some stories there.

“I’ve let down a lot of people here.”

See Hunter’s apology below:

Lachie Hunter explains his remorse for a drink driving incident which occurred last Thursday night.

— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) April 21, 2020

Hunter is also expected to face criminal charges in relation to some of the events and is assisting Victoria Police in their investigations.