Norman fine halved for street fight but NRL doesn’t accept ‘no other option’ explanation
NRL boss Andrew Abdo has refused to accept Corey Norman’s explanation that he had “no other option” than to engage in a street fight on the streets of Cronulla, but has halved the Dragons star’s sanction following a face-to-face meeting.
Norman provided a written submission to the NRL and met with the chief executive after he was handed a $20,000 fine and a two-game suspension over the brawl last month.
NRL boss Andrew Abdo says Corey Norman needed to make a better decision.Credit:Getty, Supplied
As a result of the meeting, Abdo adjusted Norman’s sanction. He will instead be fined $10,000 along with a one-match suspension. He must also complete education and training as instructed by the NRL.
“This is how our system works. We issue a provisional breach notice with a proposed penalty and then we allow the player time to respond before finalising the matter,” Abdo said.
“We have been clear and consistent that provocation is not an excuse to engage in any form of violence. Corey is a high-profile player who was involved in a street fight, we expect better decision making from him.
“It is important to say that abuse of our players of any kind is unacceptable and the NRL will take whatever action is possible to ensure players are protected from unwarranted abuse. We will continue to invest in educating players on how to deal with difficult situations off the field.”
Rugby League Player’s Association chief Clint Newton described the reduced fine as a “disappointing outcome”.
“We are not supportive of the revised sanctions handed down to Corey Norman by the NRL,” Newton said. “It is a disappointing outcome given the circumstances of the situation Corey was faced with, and the detailed explanation put forward by Corey regarding it.
“We will continue to offer our support to Corey should he decide to appeal the sanction while continuing to work with the NRL on developing an improved integrity system.”
Meanwhile, Raiders duo Corey Horsburgh and Corey Harawira-Naera have also been handed bans after both players were charged with drink-driving offences during the off-season.
Horsburgh pleaded guilty in the ACT magistrates court on February 23, after recording a low-range blood alcohol level during a roadside test on Christmas Day.
He has been handed a one-game suspension and $5000 fine, which has been suspended for 12 months.
Harawira-Naera has indicated he will plead guilty to mid-range drink driving when he appears in ACT Magistrates Court on March 25.
He will be suspended for two matches and fined $10,000 after the court date. Both players must also complete an education program.
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