Sam Burgess fined $30,000 and suspended over NRL rules breaches at South Sydney Rabbitohs

Sam Burgess was fined and suspended by the NRL after a long-running investigation into multiple off-field breaches while at South Sydney but there was a twist in the detail of his sanctions.

WEEKEND TELEGRAPHS SPECIAL. MUST TALK WITH PIC ED JEFF DARMANIN BEFORE PUBLISHING, Sam Burgess with coach Wayne Bennett last week at Souths Sydney Rabbitohs training. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Sam Burgess was fined and suspended by the NRL on Friday after a long-running investigation into his off-field behaviour found him guilty of drug use, threatening another player and breaching NSW law by driving with traces of an illicit drug in his system.

But, remarkably, Burgess has been cleared to immediately return to working in the NRL after the governing body backdated his 12-week suspension — which was issued on Friday, along with a $30,000 fine.

The NRL took no action against Burgess over allegations of domestic violence after finding there was insufficient evidence to support the disturbing claims. Strike Force Irrabella, which was set up by NSW Police in late 2020, last October announced it was also unable to find sufficient evidence to pursue the matter further.

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The NRL also said a number of allegations concerning Burgess’ personal relationships did not relate to NRL rules.

While Burgess was relieved at the outcome, his ex-wife Phoebe Burgess was aghast at the developments, having only been informed of the NRL’s findings soon before they were released.

“I am appalled,” Phoebe Burgess told The Australian.

Former NRL star Sam Burgess has learnt his fate. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“This conversation is not over. But this is not just about me. It’s about what women are worth to the NRL.

“For countless women in Australia, home is not a safe place to be.

“The message to them today is: don’t speak up, because even if you are believed, and even if the evidence is there, people in power will find excuses.”

Burgess stepped away from his role on the South Sydney coaching staff in October, 2020, when revelations of his wild off-field behaviour were aired in the media and NSW Police launched an investigation into claims of domestic violence.

However, the NRL findings on Friday will mean that he is able to resume his work with the club should South Sydney go down that path. However, he is contracted to coach the local bush footy team in Souths owner Russell Crowe’s home town this year.

“Sam’s committed to, and fully focused on coaching the Orara Valley Axemen this season,” Rabbitohs chief executive Blake Solly said.

“The club is entirely supportive of Sam’s decision to coach the team, and make a significant contribution to regional and grass roots rugby league. Any discussion about Sam’s return to the Rabbitohs should take place after his commitments to the Axemen are concluded.”

Sam Burgess with former Souths coach Wayne Bennett. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Burgess released a statement on social media in which he insisted he was firmly opposed to violence against women.

“I stand strongly against violence towards women,” Burgess said.

“It has no place in society, no place in sport and no place in my life. I am thankful that the NRL has finally cleared my name against all allegations of domestic violence.

“I have now been cleared of three very public and defamatory investigations. This has been a long and damaging process, taking a toll on me both physically and mentally.

“I have accepted full responsibility for the way certain parts of my life have unfolded throughout the last 16 months.

“I can now move on and continue the next phase of my life knowing the truth has been revealed. I have made impactful and positive changes to my life and I am focusing on improving and developing as a man, son, father and now coach.”

The NRL found that there was not enough evidence to support claims that South Sydney had engaged in a cover-up of Burgess’ behaviour. They also found that treatment provided by the club doctor to Burgess in his home was given in a private capacity.

Sam Burgess and ex-wife Phoebe. Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

“Consistent with the doctor’s obligation of patient confidentiality, the club was not informed of the medical incident or the treatment provided,” the NRL said.

Significantly, South Sydney was fined $20,000 for failing to promptly advise the NRL integrity unit of an allegation made against Burgess.

The club said it had accepted the fine and reiterated its position that there was no place in 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 Rabbitohs said.

While Burgess was ready to move on with his life, he did fire a salvo at the NRL, believed to be in response to an incident involving Sydney Roosters centre Billy Smith in 2019 as part of his fine.

Burgess and Smith clashed in a game in 2019 when Burgess pulled Smith’s hair.

There were claims the pair were at loggerheads because Burgess had believed Smith had known the woman at the centre of the 2018 sexting scandal involving, and had been the source of it being leaked.

“I understand, but do not agree with all of the breach notices issued by the NRL,” Burgess said. “The punishment is grossly unfair and my lawyers have advised me of my appeal rights.

However, I wish to move on with my life for matters that I believe have already been dealt with by the courts, judiciary and publicly.”

Phoebe Burgess saved her ire for the NRL and chief executive Andrew Abdo.

“One of the most traumatic experiences of my entire life, that will affect me for the rest of my life, has been minimised to $30,000,” Ms Burgess said.

“I’m deeply saddened and disappointed. I stand by every word I have spoken and my focus has not wavered from making sure my children are being raised in a safe and happy home.

“Women in this country know our judicial system is not quite there yet. But after the many hours of conversations I’ve had with the senior leaders of the NRL, I’m disappointed their system is also failing women so badly, in spite of all the public rhetoric.”

Originally published as Sam Burgess fined $30,000 and suspended over NRL rules breaches at South Sydney Rabbitohs