Eels, NRL hand down Shaun Lane’s punishment for Mad Monday incident
Parramatta Eels back-rower Shaun Lane has been handed his punishment for a Mad Monday incident involving images of him holding a plastic bag containing a white substance.
Shaun Lane has been ordered to stand in front of his teammates and deliver a presentation on why his Mad Monday photo shame has cost him $17,500.
The Parramatta Eels forward was yesterday slugged 10 per cent of his 2019 salary after images emerged of him holding a plastic bag with a white substance, believed to be taken last year while he was contracted to Manly.
The disciplinary measures were determined by the Eels after five days of consultation, with the NRL Integrity Unit and Rugby League Players Association.
Live stream the 2019 NRL Telstra Premiership on KAYO SPORTS. Every game of every round live & anytime on your TV or favourite device. Get your 14 day free trial >
MORE NRL NEWS
GREENBERG COLUMN: WHY WE GAVE BARB SMITH RING
KEARY: WHY ROOSTERS CAN GO BACK TO BACK
The $17,500 is likely to go towards Eels junior league or education and welfare programs.
Lane’s willingness to accept responsibility for the brand damage caused to the club, code and himself, and his co-operation with the Integrity Unit were contributing factors in why a fine, as opposed to a suspension, was determined.
The Eels released a press statement yesterday claiming Lane’s deep remorse.
“Following discussions with the NRL Integrity Unit and the RLPA, Parramatta Eels Club has fined Shaun Lane $17,500 for the photo that appeared in the media last week,’’ the statement read.
“Shaun has accepted responsibility and demonstrated genuine remorse for his actions, the club is working closely with him to ensure he has a clear understanding of the Club’s professional standards.
“The club will continue to provide Shaun its full support.’’
The Sunday Telegraph has been told the Eels have given no consideration to organising any Mad Monday activities at this stage.
In any case, the Lane drama will lead Eels officials to meet with the club’s leadership group to remind them of the club’s expectations and standards.
The presentation Lane will give to the playing group is similar to what Eels half Jaemon Salmon was forced to give after he was convicted of drink-driving earlier this year.
Salmon was banned from the season opener against Penrith and hit with a suspended $10,000 fine.
He was also required to complete the completion of a safe-driving course and three visits to Cobham Juvenile Justice Centre.
Lane’s photo had prompted debate over the future of Mad Mondays, after a drama-ridden end to last season for the NRL.
NRL boss Todd Greenberg warned players they would be given a “whack” from the game if they misbehaved again this off-season.
Meanwhile, Lane brushed aside any overhanging issues from the scandal, scoring a try in the Eels’ 36-12 win over the Gold Coast on Friday night.
With the Lane case now closed, the Eels will continue their pursuit of a top-four finish when they face Canterbury on Thursday night.
Ryles challenged to find five Eels who are winners
Talent gets you identified but workers are winners is some of the advice that new Parramatta Eels coach Jason Ryles received at a recent lunch with some of rugby league’s finest minds.
Parramatta’s public humiliation of Gutherson is outrageous
Clint Gutherson is a Parramatta club legend that is being treated like some D-grade wannabe. He isn’t just a player – he’s a leader and inspiration who deserves better than a club that’s slowly eroding his status, writes DEAN RITCHIE.