Featured Image Credit: Brendon Thorne / Stringer via Getty
Topics: NRL, Rugby League, Sydney Roosters
James Taylor
Topics: NRL, Rugby League, Sydney Roosters
An English rugby player has been handed a 10 game ban following a scandal involving alleged cocaine texts.
Victor Radley, 27, is one of the top names in the NRL where he plays for the Sydney Roosters and has won two premierships with the club. But he has found himself caught up in more serious matters after being referenced in a police summons for South Sydney Rabbitohs star Brandon Smith, with alleged text messages forming part of the evidence against Smith.
Smith is facing court in Queensland, Australia on charges of allegedly supplying a dangerous drug and using or disclosing inside knowledge for betting. He has been granted bail on the condition that he does not contact Radley or an accused drug dealer.
His lawyer said Smith with plead not guilty to both charges. The police will allege that Smith was involved in supplying Radley with drugs while he was on a golf trip with teammates in June.
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The Roosters have now got involved and provided Radley with a punishment of their own.
Although there have been no charges against Radley, nor any suggestion that he obtained or took illegal drugs, the Roosters have taken their own action.
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Radley has been given a 10-match suspension without pay, and he will also have to make a $30,000 donation to St Vincent’s Hospital.
In a statement, Radley wrote: “I want to sincerely apologise to the club, my teammates, our sponsors, Members and fans for the negative spotlight I have brought on the Roosters. I accept the sanctions in full and will work hard to earn back the trust and respect of everyone who supports this great club.”
The Sydney Roosters also released a statement on the matter, which has shocked Australian rugby league.
The statement said: “The Sydney Roosters are aware of references in the media to communications allegedly between Sydney Roosters player Victor Radley and others in relation to allegedly obtaining an illegal substance.
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“While Radley has not been charged by Queensland Police, the references in the media to communications allegedly between him and others have brought the Sydney Roosters into disrepute.”
Radley's future in Sydney had already been called into question, with his contract due to expire at the end of 2027.
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According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the Roosters have told him to begin searching for another NRL team.
Radley is reportedly earnning $700,000 per season, but some insiders suggest that he may have played his last game for the Roosters.
The Englishman could also make a move overseas to continue his career in the Super League.