NRL hits Cowboys star Valentine Holmes with breach notice over powder picture

The NRL have issued Cowboys star Valentine Holmes with a breach notice following an investigation into his white powder scandal.

Valentine Holmes has been hit with a breach notice. Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

The NRL have issued Cowboys star Valentine Holmes with a breach notice following an investigation into his white powder scandal.

Holmes uploaded a photo of himself on social media last Saturday night holding a drink and a small bag in his mouth which appeared to contain white powder.

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The 28-year-old was formally interviewed by Cowboys bosses and NRL Integrity Unit on Monday via Zoom.

Holmes told the inquiry that he did not use cocaine or any other illicit substance and maintained his stance that the image was a prank gone wrong.

Cowboys coach Todd Payten was left unimpressed with the photo which was deleted by Holmes within minutes of being posted on Instagram.

Holmes is on annual leave which means the NRL cannot drug test him as per the agreement with players in the CBA.

Instagram image of Valentine Holmes with a substance in his mouth.

That was not it Val. Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

The NRL released the following statement on Wednesday afternoon:

“The NRL has today issued North Queensland Cowboys player Valentine Holmes with a Breach Notice alleging a breach of the NRL Code of Conduct following an NRL Integrity Unit investigation into a social media post published on Sunday 10 September 2023,” the statement read.

“It is alleged Holmes engaged in conduct which has brought the game and his club into disrepute by publicly associating the game with illegal drugs.

“Holmes has five business days to respond to the Breach Notice.

“In accordance with the new Collective Bargaining Agreement with the RLPA, no information on any proposed sanction will be disclosed until the player has had the opportunity to respond to the alleged breach and the matter is finalised.”

Originally published as NRL hits Cowboys star Valentine Holmes with breach notice over powder picture