Heritier Lumumba retires from AFL following medical advice over concussion issues

RETIRED Demon Heritier Lumumba will be paid a portion of his 2017 wage after agreeing to a settlement with the club.

Heritier Lumumba has retired from the AFL after more than 200 games. Picture: Michael Klein

FEARS a further head knock could risk his long-term health prompted Collingwood premiership defender Heritier Lumumba to call time on his 223-game AFL career.

Lumumba, who switched to Melbourne two years ago and managed just 24 games for the Demons, said he had retired on the advice of “several medical specialists”.

He will be paid a portion of his 2017 wage after agreeing to an undisclosed settlement with the club.

Heritier Lumumba is chaired off after his 200th game. Picture: Colleen Petch

Melbourne football boss Josh Mahoney defended the club’s concussions protocols and its handling of Lumumba.

“To receive medical advice that he should no longer play the game he loves has been really challenging for Heritier,” Mahoney said.

“Based on this advice, we have agreed to release Heritier from his 2017 contract and are supportive of his decision to retire from the game.

“Although he can no longer play AFL football, we are pleased that the latest tests have shown that Heritier has been cleared of having any ongoing concussion symptoms and that there are no signs of long-term damage.

“We have said all along that the club has a very diligent concussion management process and as a result, we are confident in how we cared for and managed Heritier during 2016.”

Lumumba, 30, suffered a series of head knocks late in his career and did not play a senior game after Round 5 this season.

The Herald Sun revealed in November that Lumumba was set to hang up the boots after lingering concussion issues.

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He had taken time off at the beginning of the preseason to have his health checked.

H says his advice is he can't play again. Club says he has been cleared of all symptoms.... Best they part company now. Retires with a flag https://t.co/luLrlzESEH

— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) December 21, 2016

He needed to play almost every game next year to activate a trigger clause to play on into 2018.

“At the advice of several medical specialists, I am retiring from football,” Lumumba said.

“My love of this game has inspired me to work hard and give my best efforts to my team.

“As I reflect on my career, I am grateful for the support I’ve received and how that support has enabled me to grow as an athlete and as a man.

“I look forward to expanding other areas of my career as I create new endeavours. I believe the Melbourne Football club has a bright future ahead, and I wish them the very best.”

Lumumba was a star for Collingwood. Picture: Michael Klein

Lumumba played 223 games with Collingwood and Melbourne over 12 seasons, and was a key figure in the Pies’ 2010 premiership year, when he was named All Australian.

Originally published as Heritier Lumumba retires from AFL following medical advice over concussion issues