Canberra Raider star Joel Monaghan has released a statement through his manager, in relation to a photo that was circulated over the internet that showed Monaghan engaging with a dog in a crude manner.
His statements are as follows:
“Joel can’t blame anyone but himself for an act of stupidity that will haunt him for the rest of his life,†Manager Jim Banaghan said today.
“Joel wants to make it clear that he was the one playing a prank on an absent team mate by simulating the act.
“There are no words of explanation that can be offered because none can be appropriate.
“Joel has to now face his family as well as fans and supporters with that shame and has already undergone counselling to help him cope with the consequences of what has happened.
“It was a moment of abject stupidity brought about by too much drink and a complete lack of any thought process.
“The fact that someone has sought to compound the situation further by the use of social media only adds to the trauma but Joel accepts that it is his actions alone that are at fault.
“He apologises unreservedly for the outrage that people feel at the moment and blames nobody but himself.
“He will meet the club over the issue and accepts that there must be ramifications but the fact is he is not in a fit emotional state to have those discussions at the moment.
“Joel is a genuinely good person who is simply shattered by a moment of sheer madness.â€
NRL Chief Executive Mr David Gallop said that he was shocked and appalled at the image circulated of the player in the media today.
“We have a system of allowing clubs to take the initial action in relation to disciplinary issues as they are the employers and we will maintain that principle,†Mr Gallop said.
“The fact of the matter remains that in any circumstance this is an appalling incident and onethat has offended everyone associated with the sport.”
“It is important that the club deals with it appropriately and that it reports to the NRL as soon as possible on the outcomes.â€