What’s the Buzz: Parramatta Eels cut off payments to Michael Jennings
Banned NRL star Michael Jennings is working for a building company to provide for his family until a verdict is handed down on his footballing future.
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The Parramatta Eels have cut off payments to banned star Michael Jennings as he awaits the outcome of a Sports Integrity Australia inquiry into his alleged drug cheating.
The 32-year-old centre is now working for a building company to provide for his family until a verdict is handed down on his footballing future.
Jennings was provisionally suspended from the NRL on the day of Parramatta’s finals match against South Sydney last October after returning a positive A-sample for banned substances Ligandrol and Ibutamoren and three of their metabolites.
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His lawyers have asked for a six-week extension to prepare his case.
The Eels continue to offer welfare support but have suspended his $8000-a-week salary on what is understood to be a $400,000 contract. The RLPA is monitoring the situation.
Jennings’ deal expires at the end of this season but he has an option in his favour.
Parramatta’s stance is different to that of Newcastle which kept paying Jarrod Mullen $15,000 a week in 2017 after he tested positive to steroid use until he was thrown out of the game.
St George Illawarra also continues to pay Jack de Belin despite sexual assault charges.
However last year the Cronulla Sharks stopped payments to Bronson Xerri.
A friend of Jennings told The Sunday Telegraph: “It’s great that he’s working and not just sitting around. He’s decided to keep himself busy.”
It is a difficult case for the Eels. As late as Friday the club’s welfare team spoke to him to check on his wellbeing.
However coach Brad Arthur has to play $400,000 under the salary cap until there is a verdict. No one has a clue how long that will take as some cases can take up to two years.
“Like in all cases, we are prevented from making any comment,” a Sports Integrity spokesman said.
When asked about the situation, Eels chief executive Jim Sarantinos also declined to comment because of confidentiality agreements.
Jennings is understood to be using a Melbourne barrister who was involved in the old Essendon AFL drugs scandal.
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Originally published as What’s the Buzz: Parramatta Eels cut off payments to Michael Jennings
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