Froling victim of one-punch attack
Bullet out for season after skull fractured
FORMER Hobart Chargers star and current Brisbane Bullet Harry Froling will miss the remainder of the NBL23 season after sustaining a fractured skull and brain bleeding as a victim of a one-punch attack in Wollongong.
Froling suffered a head injury in the attack in the early hours of Sunday morning, hours after a match against his brother, Sam, who plays for the Illawarra Hawks.
Hospitalised in the wake of the attack, Froling apparently discharged himself the next morning, flew home to Brisbane, and then attended hospital there after complaining of headaches.
It was there that the extent of his injuries became clear, and he had immediate surgery.
It is understood he remains in hospital in a stable condition.
“The Brisbane Bullets are working closely with NSW Police and NBL Integrity Unit as they investigate the circumstances surrounding an alleged assault on Harry Froling,” the team said in a statement on Tuesday afternoon.
“An investigation is under way, the club is not in a position to make any further comment, other than to say the players, coaches and staff all send their well wishes and love to Harry and his family.”
Police sources say Froling was drinking with other players after the game then later removed from a nightclub about 2am by marshals after “showing signs of intoxication”.
Froling is seen on CCTV footage walking down
Crown St in Wollongong shortly after.
The footage captured him talking with a number of unknown females on the northern end of Crown St, opposite Attchison St.
It shows an unknown male stand up and join the group a few moments later, and punch Froling in the face.
The NBL centre falls back heavily, landing on his back, hitting his head.
The male and females headed south on Crown St.
Remaining bystanders assisted and placed him in the recovery position.
Sources say members of the public saw him unconscious, with blood coming from his ears.
Police and ambulance were called about 2.40am and Froling was taken to Wollongong Hospital.
The 24-year-old was treated by staff and required to undergo a head CT scan however, but refused the procedure at 7am.
About an hour later medical staff checked on Froling and found he had removed the intravenous drip and selfdischarged from hospital.
He returned to Brisbane by plane with the rest of the Bullets, but soon after complained of headaches.
At Brisbane’s Prince Charles Hospital, scans revealed he had sustained head injuries.
Froling remains in hospital in a stable condition, after doctors operated on his fractured skull and brain bleed.
Police are appealing for witnesses and investigations are continuing.
Froling was an integral part of the Hobart Chargers NBL1 South Championship last season.