Former NRL star Sam Burgess has been fined $30,000 and suspended from club duties for 12 weeks after the league found he breached its code of conduct on multiple occasions. The penalties stem from an investigation into allegations of domestic violence and drug abuse made by his ex-wife Phoebe.
The NRL confirmed on Friday that Burgess took illicit drugs in 2018, threatened another player in 2018, and drove with traces of an illicit drug in his system in February 2021. However, the league stated there was insufficient evidence to support domestic violence claims.
Burgess, who retired in 2019 and later worked as a coach for South Sydney, said he understood but disagreed with the breach notices. In an Instagram post, he called the punishment “grossly unfair” but chose not to appeal, wanting to “move on with my life”.
The sanctions follow the conclusion of NSW Police Strike Force Irrabella, which investigated the allegations and decided not to charge Burgess late last year. The NRL echoed that finding, noting insufficient evidence for domestic violence allegations.
In his statement, Burgess said he stands strongly against violence towards women and thanked the NRL for clearing his name. His suspension from club duties is considered served from his voluntary stand-down in October 2020, allowing him to resume his role if agreed with the club.
South Sydney Rabbitohs were fined $20,000 for failing to promptly report the allegations to the NRL Integrity Unit. The club accepted the fine and reiterated its stance against violence and drug use.
