{"id":67020,"date":"2021-05-04T07:45:34","date_gmt":"2021-05-04T07:45:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/?p=67020"},"modified":"2021-05-04T07:57:23","modified_gmt":"2021-05-04T07:57:23","slug":"former-no-1-draft-pick-deeply-regretful-for-ugly-hit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/?p=67020","title":{"rendered":"Former No.1 draft pick 'deeply regretful' for ugly hit"},"content":{"rendered":"

Former No.1 draft pick Paddy McCartin has issued an apology after he was involved in a striking incident during a VFL clash on the weekend.<\/p>\n

McCartin, who joined the Sydney Swans' VFL side this year, is likely facing a lengthy ban after he was involved in a physical confrontation on the field with Geelong's Aaron Black, which left the Cats skipper struggling to stay on his feet after receiving a swipe to the jaw.<\/p>\n

Black avoided a concussion but suffered a swollen jaw.<\/p>\n

The former 35-match St Kilda key forward has this week come under the microscope for the incident, which has seen calls for him to receive an eight-week suspension.<\/a><\/p>\n

McCartin today issued a statement where he apologised to Black and footy fans for the "deeply regretful" incident on the weekend.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

"I want to apologise to everyone about what happened on the weekend, I'm really disappointed in what happened," McCartin said in a video statement.<\/p>\n

"I'm gutted honestly. I feel terrible about what happened and I want to apologise to everyone.<\/p>\n

"Firstly to Aaron, I'm really glad he's Ok. I spoke to him yesterday and he let me know he's alright which I'm really happy about.<\/p>\n

"I just want to apologise to him and his family for what happened. I'm deeply regretful for what happened. Hopefully, next time see him, I can shake his hand and we can move past it.<\/p>\n

\"Paddy<\/p>\n

"…I know through some of the actions I made on the weekend, I lost the respect of people in the footy community and that's something I'm upset about and disappointed in."<\/p>\n

It's hoped for McCartin that season 2021 will be his redemption story after the Swans handed him a lifeline to continue his career with their second-tier side.<\/p>\n

The 25-year-old's return to football comes after he was delisted by former club St Kilda at the end of the 2019 season.<\/p>\n

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