By Michael Chammas and Dan Walsh
Las Vegas: The man who launched the NRL season by blowing the Viking horn, Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Tyler Manoa, was removed from Allegiant Stadium after an incident in a venue’s bathroom on Saturday night.
NRL sources confirmed that Manoa, who was invited as a special guest to blow the Canberra Raiders′ Viking horn before their clash with the New Zealand Warriors, was removed from the stadium following alleged misbehaviour in the corporate area.
The 25-year-old American, who joined the NFL’s Raiders practice squad last season after a college career at UCLA and Utah, allegedly damaged property inside the restrooms and had to be evicted from the premises.
Earlier in the night he took centre stage as he stood on the middle of Allegiant Stadium to blow the horn that acts as a precursor to the club’s Viking clap as the players enter the field.
Manoa was meant to visit the Canberra Raiders’ sheds after their impressive win over the Warriors but was a no-show.
The honour of blowing the horn was originally sent to UFC boss Dana White but he was unable to attend the match.
Allegiant Stadium officials declined to comment when contacted. The NRL confirmed it was made aware of the incident but was not investigating the matter as it doesn’t involve them.
Meanwhile, the NRL Integrity Unit has interviewed Guardian UK journalist John Davidson and Warriors officials as it investigates allegations that Warriors assistant coach Richard Agar grabbed Davidson by the throat in Las Vegas.
Agar is alleged to have verbally abused the reporter over issues stemming from his time as a coach in the Super League and allegedly grabbed him by the throat near the Allegiant Stadium press box.
The Warriors are awaiting the release of CCTV footage from the venue as part of its own enquiries into the matter.
Sources speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the ongoing investigation have indicated that Agar refutes the claim he grabbed Davidson by the throat, but does not deny making physical contact with him.
Davidson declined to comment. Agar could not be reached for comment and was due to arrive home with the Warriors travelling party on Tuesday morning, while CEO Cameron George confirmed the club’s cooperation with the Integrity Unit investigation.
The Herald’s travel expenses to Las Vegas have been partly funded by the NRL.