Medical Update: Broken ankle
Out for up to 12 weeks

Apology from Jay Schulz

The following is a letter I received 3 April 2005 from Jay Schulz. I believe the letter was sent to all Richmond members, of which I am one.

I am happy to stand in support of Jay and wish him the very best in his recovery and healing. I will admit that I may not have been as supportive had it not been for the fact that the son of a good friend of mine was recently in the same predicament. Although his case was not publicized because he's not famous, the details are similar. He is a good kid who made a really bad decision. I believe my friend's son will learn from his embarrassment, as I hope Jay Schulz will, too.

Dear Becky,

I would like to apologise for my recent speeding and drink-driving offence. I accept I am totally to blame. It was a stupid decision to drive my car after drinking alcohol, and one which I totally regret. I cannot change what's happened, so I need to move on and learn from my mistake.

As you would understand, it has been extremely tough to handle, not just for me, but for my manager, all the Club's officials, players, my family and friends. The support I have had from all these people, has been amazing. I was prepared for whatever decision the Richmond Football Club made, but I am extremely thankful that they believe I still have a future at Tigerland.

I had the opportunity to catch up with a friend from interstate, who I had not seen for a long time, at a mate's house last Wednesday night. The decision to have a few drinks and drive my car home - about 10 minutes away - was totally wrong, and one I clearly now regret. I am lucky I did not injure someone, or myself, but now I have to live with the consequences of my actions, which are even more serious because of my role as an AFL player, and a member of a club supported by the TAC.

To everyone affected by this, please accept my apologies. I accept full responsibility for my actions and the punishment handed to me. I know I have let myself and everyone else down, including the Club's sponsors and supporters. What I need to do is regain the respect of my teammates, and all of you. I would like to move on and improve my footy, so I can repay the faith and support of the Richmond Football Club by being part of its future success.

I would hope that through my indiscretion, the awareness of the importance of not drinking and driving, has hit home to others. Maybe some lives being saved would be a positive to come from this.

I am prepared to assist the TAC in promoting this awareness, if they would accept my apology and could see some value in my involvement.

Again, I am sorry for my actions and would like to thank all those who have encouraged and supported me.

Yours sincerely,
Jay Schulz