Sam Burgess cleared of domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse

Burgess’ lawyer says the ex-NRL player has been “damaged” by a year-long police probe after his ex-wife made explosive allegations.

Former NRL star Sam Burgess has been cleared of allegations of domestic violence and drug and alcohol abuse but his lawyer says the retired footballer has been “damaged” by the police investigation.

The South Sydney legend has been the subject of a year-long investigation by NSW Police after his ex-wife Phoebe made explosive allegations in an interview in The Australian newspaper last October.

“Following extensive inquiries, no further police ­action is expected to be taken,” police said in a statement.

Sam Burgess in the SAS Australia finale.

The original report included statements from Phoebe and her father, Mitchell Hooke, following a four-month investigation by the newspaper.

Subsequently, police started their own investigation. Burgess strongly denied the claims.

Among the allegations were that after a bender one night in November 2018, Burgess received treatment from a doctor who allegedly injected him with liquid tranquilliser, obtained through a prescription written in someone else’s name.

Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett at the time strongly denied an allegation the club covered up the alleged misconduct.

“I’ve never had a player or any staff member ... talk to me about it in any shape, form or manner,” he said.

“I’ve never heard a rumour or a whisper about Sam Burgess and drugs.”

Phoebe and Sam Burgess in happier times. Picture: Instagram

Sam Burgess on SAS Australia, which he won. Picture: Jeremy Grieve

In a 50-page affidavit, Phoebe expressed her concern about Burgess’ alleged reliance on prescription drugs, including Xanax, Kalma and Innovane.

The allegations cost Burgess his job as an assistant coach with South Sydney, which has said it will wait until the NRL has completed its investigation into the 32-year-old before welcoming him back into the fold.

The club’s former captain was working as an assistant coach with the Rabbitohs but stood himself down when the allegations first emerged.

The NRL also commenced inquiries into the claims and will now attempt to bring their investigation to a close. It is understood that a number of witnesses were off limits to the NRL integrity unit while the police investigation was ongoing.

The NRL will now look to speak to those witnesses before they close the book on the matter.

Burgess’ lawyer Chris Murphy on Wednesday took to social media to reveal his client had been cleared by police.

“Much hurt and harm has been done to Sam Burgess. He has been damaged,” he wrote.
“He wants the public to be made aware that allegations have been thoroughly examined and at length by NSW Police and there is nothing for him to be called to answer. Please #retweet #wronged.”

Burgess and Phoebe were married in a lavish wedding in the Southern Highlands in 2015 and separated three years later. They have two young children, Poppy, 4, and Billy, 2.

Burgess appeared on the most recent series of SAS Australia in which he detailed the breakdown of his marriage.

“I don’t think I was the greatest husband at times,” he said. “I embarrassed my wife. I had an affair with a girl, a woman in Melbourne. I was away on tour, and regretfully that happened … It would have been a tough place for Phoebe to be.”