The NRL has fined both South Sydney Rabbitohs and former star player turned coaching assistant Sam Burgess over multiple breaches between 2018-2021.
Burgess has been fined $30,000 and suspended for 12 weeks as an official for taking illicit drugs and threatening another player in 2018, and for also driving with an illicit drug in his system in 2021.
But the former South Sydney enforcer can return to club duties immediately after he stood himself down in October 2020, which the NRL said would count as time served.
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Burgess last year was also investigated over allegations of domestic violence, but the NRL said its own investigation found that no “available evidence was sufficient to support” those claims.
Despite this finding, the Rabbitohs copped a $20,000 fine for not promptly informing the NRL Integrity Unit of the allegations made against Burgess.
“Burgess, who stood himself down from club duties in October 2020, will be permitted to count his stand down as time served and will therefore be entitled to resume his duties, should he so desire,” an NRL statement read.
“The South Sydney Rabbitohs have been fined $20,000 for failing to promptly advise the NRL Integrity Unit of an allegation made against Burgess.
“The NRL has also concluded that the available evidence did not support a finding that there was a cover-up by the club of the use by Burgess of illicit drugs, prescription drugs or that it engaged in a practice of covering up allegations of domestic violence.
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“In particular, the investigation found that the treatment the club doctor provided Burgess in his home following a medical incident, was given in the doctor’s private capacity – not in his role as club doctor. Consistent with the doctor’s obligation of patient confidentiality, the club was not informed of the medical incident or the treatment provided.
“The investigation did find that on one occasion the South Sydney Rabbitohs breached NRL rules in not reporting an allegation against Burgess from a member of the public to the NRL Integrity Unit.
“The NRL notes the Rabbitohs have made improvements to policy and procedures to ensure any future allegations are reported to the NRL Integrity Unit. Following consideration of the club’s response and cooperation, the NRL has fined the club $20,000 for its breach of the NRL rules.”
The Rabbitohs sent out a statement accepting the sanctions.
“The Rabbitohs wish to reiterate that there is no place in our society for violence, harassment or abuse against women,” the Rabbitohs’ statement added.
“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 work closely with Sport Integrity Australia and the NRL who administer testing of the players.”
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