FURIOUS Derby have fined Tom Lawrence and Mason Bennett the maximum possible of six weeks’ wages after they were charged with drink-driving.
The Rams hit the duo hard after investigating their role in a horror car crash that left skipper Richard Keogh facing 15 months out with injury.
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Derby have not suspended Wales winger Lawrence, 25, and English wideman Bennett, 23, but gave them tough penalties, including community work.
The pair will appear in court on October 15 but the Rams emphasised their own internal investigation was separate from that.
Derby said in a statement: “Irrespective of the outcome of that process, the club will not tolerate any of its players or staff behaving in a manner which puts themselves, their colleagues, and members of the general public at risk of injury or worse, or which brings the club into disrepute.
‘HUGE MISTAKES’
“Both Lawrence and Bennett are therefore being fined the equivalent of six weeks’ wages – the maximum contractual limit – and will serve an additional 80 hours of community and rehabilitation, which will include a drink aware course.
“The club will be making no further comment regards this matter.”
Bennett himself apologised and revealed his “shame” in his own statement.
He said: “On the night of Tuesday 24th September, I made huge mistakes after consuming alcohol. What I did was wrong.
“Being a footballer and someone who young fans look up to I know the example I set is key. I am ashamed.
“At 23 I am old enough, and I was brought up to know better.
“I understand that such actions have serious consequences. I take full responsibility for my actions and accept the punishment that the club has issued.
“I have to and will learn from these events and will strive to be a better person.
“There’s no excuse for what I’ve done. I’m sorry to my family, my friends, the club, all Derby supporters and to the wider football community. I let you all down.”
