I’m not angry, I’m happy for the truth to come out: Sam Burgess breaks silence on Souths’ sexting scandal
The Rabbitohs superstar has spoken of the pain of Souths’ “sexting” scandal, welcoming an inquiry “getting to the truth”.
South Sydney star Sam Burgess has fought back tears as he broke his silence on the nude sexting social media scandal which has embroiled South Sydney as it edges closer to an NRL grand final.
Speaking of his heartache, and emotional Burgess said he could say little until the club’s probe into the scandal is complete, but is “looking forward to the truth coming out”.
“There is an investigation going on and I am happy for them to get to the truth. I really am,” Burgess told a packed media conference, as Souths prepares for a preliminary final against Sydney Roosters this Saturday night.
“There’s an inquiry going on and I can’t comment on it.” He expects to explore his legal options once the matter is finalised.
He said the scandal had taken a toll on his family, and commended his heavily pregnant wife, Phoebe, for her strength.
“What hurts me most is seeing my wife upset about what is out there,” Burgess said.
“I am not angry. I will follow process and hope it is resolved sooner rather than later.”
“There is an inquiry and I welcome that getting to the truth.
“With respect to my wife, my family, my wife’s family, it’s been a tough process to go through, the family together. I’m fortunate that I’ve got a strong wife. I’ve got a wife who loves me.
“I’ve got great family. I’ve got great friends. Great support around me to help me through these allegations that have been made. It’s been a tricky few days.”
Of the media attention he said he just wanted his family to be “safe and happy, and my current situation at home … there’s just no chance of that”.
He expects “something to come out of this” (the NRL integrity unit investigation) within the next 24 to 48 hours.
Of the timing of the story and the headlines which have swirled since the scandal became public, he said: “you can all make your own assumptions regarding the timing of this whole thing coming to light. I just want to protect my family”.
Burgess has been in the spotlight since late last week when news broke that his Facebook Messenger social media account was allegedly linked to lewd images being sent to a young woman following a match against the Warriors earlier in the season. The woman made a complaint.
Burgess woke on Saturday morning to see his face plastered across the front of newspapers as the scandal widened.
While Sam had not commented on the situation until today, his brother and Rabbitohs forward Tom told 9 News on Saturday night his brother had made a ‘mistake.’
The identity of the player who bared his genitalia in the exchange has not been confirmed, with the matter being investigated by both the club and the NRL’s Integrity Unit.
Meanwhile, Burgess’ heavily pregnant wife, Phoebe, who did not attend the Rabbitohs’ match last Saturday night, posted a photograph on her Instagram account overnight of her having a picnic with their first child, daughter Poppy, and the caption: “Moments in the sun with our babies”.
Today, as Burgess fronted the media, he admitted he said his teammates “have been fantastic” as the scandal comes as they prepare for a game which has the team one game away from a grand final berth.
“We’re one game away from a grand final. It’s exciting. Not that I’ve had much time to think about it. I’ve had a bit going on,” he said.
“We all have challenges at times, it brings us closer together.
“Not only that I have a great family, beautiful wife and daughter … plenty of support around me.”
Burgess said Souths’ focus is on Saturday’s game, but “once this process is finished I’ll speak to my lawyer then”.
“I just want to protect my family in this whole thing.”
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