Sam Newman’s son, Max Jones, sues NBA player Jock Landale, alleges violent assault

The son of footy legend Sam Newman says he could have been a star like his father as he sues Geelong Grammar and Jock Landale, alleging the basketball star violently assaulted him while both attended the elite school.

The son of TV and footy legend Sam Newman claims he could have made millions of dollars as a successful AFL player like his father had he not suffered an alleged violent assault at the hands of Aussie NBA basketball star Jock Landale.

Max Jones is suing Landale and Geelong Grammar, one of Victoria’s most exclusive private schools, over the alleged attack in which Landale forced Mr Jones to the ground and jumped on his stomach while they both attended the school.

Lawyers for Mr Jones claim the alleged altercation caused major spinal injuries for Mr Jones, which dashed his chance to “follow in his father’s footsteps” by being drafted into the league and earning up to $2m as a professional footballer.

Max Jones alleges Jock Landale (pictured) forced him to the ground and jumped on his stomach. Picture: Getty Images

“Before the incident, the Plaintiff enjoyed playing sports including cricket and Australian rules football and he aspired to follow in his father’s footsteps (John “Sam” Newman who played 300 games for Geelong Football Club and has been inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame),” documents lodged with the Supreme Court state.

“The incident derailed any prospect of the plaintiff being drafted to the AFL and pursuing a career as an AFL player.”

According to documents filed after the Herald Sun first revealed the high-profile legal battle between the celebrity alumni in March, doctors who have overseen Mr Jones’ physiotherapy and mental health support believe he is likely to suffer from ongoing muscle and spinal problems that will impact his working and personal life.

Mr Jones also alleges that he could have earned more than $740,000 in a sports media career or more than $1.2m had he been able to work in general management.

Max Jones, pictured with Keira Lewis, is suing Jock Landale and Geelong Grammar.

“The plaintiff’s injuries have had significant effects on his capacity to engage in schooling, vocational education and training, tertiary education and employment,” the document states.

After leaving Geelong Grammar, Mr Jones worked as a bartender and studied a Bachelor of Leadership and management at RMIT before withdrawing five months later.

He worked casually as a waiter and undertook an internship with the Essendon Football Club in 2019 before withdrawing from a Bachelor of Media and Communications during the pandemic.

Max Jones alleges Landale repeatedly jumped on him. Picture: Getty Images

Mr Jones launched legal action with law firm Arnold Thomas and Becker against the school with Newman’s “full support” for alleged negligence and failing to protect him from bullying at the hands of other students.

In a writ filed by Mr Jones, the 25-year-old alleges that Mr Landale repeatedly jumped on his stomach to the beat of a song playing through a portable speaker inside the common room of Geelong Grammar’s Manifold House.

Mr Jones was in year 10 at the school’s Corio Campus when he says the pro basketballer – then a year 12 student – forced him to the ground and attacked him on February 7 2013.

He alleges that he was forced to undergo a discectomy – the removal of discs in the spine – as a direct result of the incident.

Landale and Geelong Grammar have denied these claims.

Geelong Grammar must provide details about any other bullying allegations made against Landale or incidents involving the Boomer during his school days, and whether he was disciplined over the matters, including any detentions he may have received.

Mr Jones is also suing Mr Landale for past and future medical expenses.

A trial has been set for January next year.

Lawyers acting for Mr Landale and Geelong Grammar were contacted for comment.