Penrith Panthers playmaker Tyrone May has been charged under New South Wales revenge porn laws and stood down by the NRL, marking the latest scandal in the league's troubled off-season. May turned himself in to police on Tuesday and faces two counts of recording an intimate image without consent and two counts of disseminating an image without consent. Under the legislation, he could face up to three years in jail and an $11,000 fine.
The NRL implemented its new no-fault stand-down policy, approved by the ARL Commission last week, which automatically sidelines players charged with offences carrying a jail term of 11 years or more. NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said the league was not judging May's guilt or innocence, leaving that to the courts. Penrith chairman David O’Neill supported the decision, stating the club acknowledges the seriousness of the charges and will ensure May's wellbeing while he continues to train.
The footage involving May was released online last Friday, followed by another video featuring two other Penrith players on Monday. The NRL has interviewed a former Panthers player to determine how the tapes were distributed. Greenberg emphasised the league's interest in identifying those responsible for distribution, which could become a police matter.
May allegedly filmed two women without their knowledge during sexual acts in Coffs Harbour and Kingswood last year. The women were unaware of the recordings and did not consent to their distribution, learning of the videos through friends and family. Detective Superintendent Brett McFadden highlighted the devastating impact on victims, including humiliation and damage to relationships and self-esteem.
May has been granted bail and is scheduled to appear at Penrith Local Court on 1 May.
