Derby midfielder Tom Lawrence has apologised to the club for "a total error of judgement" following last month's "alcohol-related incident".
The Welshman and Rams forward Mason Bennett were charged with drink-driving after a crash in Derby's Allestree area on September 24 – a collision in which club captain Richard Keogh suffered a serious leg injury.
Both Lawrence and Bennett were fined the equivalent of six weeks' ages – the maximum contractual limit – by Derby.
Tom Lawrence has released the following statement. — Derby County (@dcfcofficial) October 5, 2019
Lawrence said in a statement on Derby's website: "Following the events of the evening of the 24th September I wish to offer my sincere apologies to the football club; our chairman, the manager, my team-mates and all our supporters for my indiscretions that night.
"It was a total error of judgement on my part, out of character for me and I am deeply disappointed in my behaviour and upset for my team-mate and our captain Richard Keogh."
As well as the fine, Lawrence and Bennett have been told to serve an additional 80 hours of community and rehabilitation, which includes a drink aware course.
Lawrence added in his statement: "Going forward, I will make every effort to make amends by working diligently to give something back to our local community and I will strive to repay all the faith and support I have received from everybody during my time at the club in the best way I know how, on the field of play."
Bennett – who apologised for his actions on Friday – and Lawrence will appear in court to answer charges of drink-driving on October 15.
