Veteran Carlton defender Liam Jones has dropped a bombshell in announcing his immediate retirement from the AFL.
It comes less than a week after Jones was outed as the one Blues player who was refusing to get a COVID-19 vaccination.
The AFL recently mandated the vaccine for all players and employees. Jones would not have been allowed to play in the competition if he continued to refuse the jab.
Jones was contracted for the 2022 season and stood to earn about half a million dollars from the Blues, which he will now forfeit.
“The club has been in regular contact with Jones across the off-season period in a bid to provide appropriate support for the 30-year-old – who today informed the club of his decision,” Carlton said in a statement.
AFLW player Deni Varnhagen was recently taken off Adelaide’s list over her refusal to get vaccinated.
Jones played 161 AFL games for the Blues and the Bulldogs.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank all who have supported me throughout my journey, both personally and professionally. I love the game and I’ll miss my teammates,” Jones said.
“I hope that people respect my decision and privacy – neither myself or my management team will be making any further comment on the matter. “
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