Dragons chair Craig Young stands down over Brett Finch letter furore
Craig Young’s decision to write a character reference for Brett Finch using a St George Illawarra letterhead has seen him stand down from the club’s board.
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St George Illawarra’s turbulent off-season has continued with chairman Craig Young announcing he’s stepped down from his position after a controversial letter supporting troubled former NRL star Brett Finch.
Young was condemned by the Dragons in October for providing Finch with a character reference using the club’s letterhead during his court battle after being charged with allegedly sharing child abuse material.
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The St George legend apologised for his “error of judgement” but said he did not regret providing the character reference for Finch – a long-time family friend – who is trying to avoid a jail sentence.
Craig Young has today advised colleagues of the Board of the St George Illawarra Dragons of his decision to step down from the Board effective immediately.
— St George Illawarra Dragons (@NRL_Dragons) October 31, 2022
“I have this afternoon advised my colleagues of the board of the St George Illawarra Dragons of my decision to stand down as a director of the club immediately,” Young said.
“I believe it is in the best interests of the club – the interests I have always proudly sought to work for and positively represent.
“I believe this is the appropriate action, given my individual decision to provide a personal reference on official letterhead, for which I have already apologised.
“I regret my error in judgement to provide the reference on letterhead, at the request of legal representatives.
“I do not regret my decision to provide a character reference for a long-time family friend as to his character and behaviour, prior to a damaging addiction.”
WIN CEO Andrew Lancaster will replace Young as chairman in a move that had already been planned as part of a joint venture agreement.
Originally published as Dragons chair Craig Young stands down over Brett Finch letter furore
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