Former Tiger’s legal action delayed by destroyed records

A former Richmond footballer who has had 17 operations on his spine since retiring from footy is suing for damages.

But the player’s medical records have been destroyed.

Ty Zantuck played 68 games for the Tigers from 2000 to 2004, and nine games for Essendon in 2005.

He alleges he was injected with painkillers and epidurals up to 50 times over three seasons as the club’s medical team tried to help him overcome a back injury.

Now 36, Zantuck has told the Herald Sun he had 17 operations since retiring from football 12 years ago and can no longer work.

But the newspaper has revealed all of his medical records have been disposed of, because clubs are only obligated to keep records for seven years.

Mr Zantuck’s lawyer says that’s “laughable” given the likelihood of long-term injuries, and says there should be a government inquiry into the medical treatment provided by clubs in the 1980s, 90s and 2000s.