Just when the NRL’s image is looking squeaky clean, an incident rears its ugly head, this time involving Manly Sea Eagles prop Richie Fa’aoso and an alleged domestic violence incident.
On top of that, also evaded Police and led them on a pursuit as well as being hit with a drink driving charge after returning a blood alcohol reading of 0.126, three times over the legal limit.
As a result, Fa’aoso has been issued with an apprehended violence order and will appear in Campbelltown Local Court on Tuesday.
The Police statement said that Fa’aoso had knocked over furniture, kicked a door completely of its hinges and smashed a window before his wife fled the premises.
“The man allegedly drove to another house in Ingleburn where the domestic dispute continued and police were called,” the statement said.
“Police attended the house in Ingleburn where they saw the man driving past the premises and attempted to stop him, however, he failed to stop and a police pursuit was initiated.
“The vehicle was subsequently stopped in Currawong Street, Ingleburn and the 29-year-old man arrested. He was submitted to a breath test and returned a positive reading.”
Fa’aoso, who enjoyed a decent stint at Manly this year and played some solid games, happened to miss the NRL grand final due to a vertebrae injury.
Manly, who are aware of the incident, said they would release a statement of their own ,,,,soon.
We’re doing our own investigation, talking to Richie and his family,” the spokesperson said.
Update: Manly have now released their statement, saying they are investigating the incident and that domestic violence was not a factor.
The Manly Sea Eagles were made aware of an incident involving Richie Fa’aoso for which he was detained by police and charged.
The incident is being investigated by the NRL integrity unit and the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles will cooperate fully with the police and the NRL Integrity Unit in the process.
Richie has the full support of his wife and family and is currently undergoing counselling. He will appear in Campbelltown Local Court tomorrow.
Further to this, the family has asked us to make it very clear that it is not a domestic violence matter and that they be afforded some privacy at this time.
There will be no further comment by the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles at this time.
The above – 5 sentences – was a statement released by Manly.