NRL fine Sam Burgess over drug use and threatening behaviour
Burgess retired at the end of 2019 due to a chronic shoulder problem. He also received a suspension from any official club duty for 12 weeks.
The former Bradford forward stepped back from club duties in October 2020. He will be allowed to count his stand down as time served and will therefore be entitled to resume his duties should he so desire.
An NRL statement on Friday said the 33-year-old had “breached its code of conduct by taking illicit drugs in 2018, threatening another rugby league player in 2018 and breaching NSW law in February 2021 by driving a motor vehicle with traces of an illicit drug in his system”.
In an Instagram post, Burgess described his punishment as “grossly unfair” but indicated he would not appeal out of a desire to “move on with my life”.
England coach Shaun Wane has said he wants to get Burgess involved in his team’s preparations for the end-of-season World Cup.
The Rabbitohs were fined £11,000, which they have accepted, for failing to promptly advise the NRL Integrity Unit of an allegation made against Burgess.
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A Rabbitohs statement read: “The South Sydney Rabbitohs acknowledge receipt of a breach notice from the NRL for breaching its rules pertaining to the lack of a prompt reporting to the NRL Integrity and Compliance Unit, an allegation from a member of the public immediately upon becoming aware it could have been reasonably suspected to be a potential breach of the NRL Rules.
“The Rabbitohs responded to the breach notice at the time and now accepts the fine that has been imposed.
“The Rabbitohs wish to reiterate that there is no place in our society for violence, harassment or abuse against women. The club also takes issues of drug use very seriously and has established policies and procedures in place around the use of drugs. The club works closely with the playing group to support their wellbeing and educate them about drug use, and also works closely with Sport Integrity Australia and the NRL who administer testing of the players.
“The Rabbitohs now consider this matter to be closed and will be making no further comment at this time.”
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