Just when you think the NRL has cleared themselves of a scandal or when you think they have a good run, an incident strikes and the name and brand are put into disrepute.
This time, as the title alludes to, Gold Coast Titans hooker Beau Falloon has been arrested and charged with four counts of supplying cocaine.
The news emerges in light of earlier reports that former rugby league player and current Queensland Reds star Karmichael Hunt, was charged with the same thing. Now, both rugby union and rugby league officials have gone into meltdown, working out exactly what has happened and why.
In Falloon’s case, at 27, his charge came as a result of a Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission investigation, aimed at a cocaine trafficking ring in Queensland’s South-East.
A press release from the QCCC said:
“A 27-year-old man from Mermaid Waters was served with a Notice to Appear in Court to face four counts of Supply Dangerous Drug contrary to section 6 of the Drugs Misuse Act 1986. He is expected to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court on 5 March 2015.â€
“The QCCC will allege that during an investigation focused on a cocaine trafficking syndicate operating in South East Queensland, these four individuals were identified contacting the syndicate and arranging for the supply of cocaine
“The CCC will allege the three men and one woman arranged for the supply of cocaine for personal use or to on-supply cocaine to friends and colleagues between June and December 2014.â€
Both the Titans and the NRL are aware of the incident and are currently investigating themselves to determine if any other players are involved.
The second player involved in the scandal has been confirmed, with Jamie Dowling the latest to be named in the drug bust undertaken by the QCCC. He faces cocaine supply charges.
Recently, the Gold Coast Titans released a statement on the matter.
It was as follows:
Gold Coast Titans CEO, Graham Annesley, has confirmed that players Jamie Dowling & Beau Falloon have been issued with notices to appear in court in relation to drug offences.
The club first became aware of these matters through media reports earlier today and has since confirmed the notices were issued to both players.
“As a result, Jamie Dowling and Beau Falloon have been stood down from all playing and training responsibilities pending their appearance in court on March 5â€, Mr Annesley said.
“In addition, the board and management of the club acknowledges that under these circumstances it is not appropriate for the team’s training facilities to be based in an education facility among impressionable young people. As such we will make immediate plans to relocate to an alternate venue. We unreservedly apologise to the school, our members, sponsors, corporate partners, and other stakeholders who have been let down or impacted by these unexpected and unacceptable developmentsâ€.
The club has been in constant contact with the NRL Integrity Unit since these reports surfaced.
The story is developing and in recent news, two more Titans players have been charged and issued with notices to appear in court.
Winger Kalifa Fai Fai Loa and former Titans utility Joe Vickery are the two most recent names involved in this ongoing drugs scandal that is engulfing the club.
And now, in further developments, Titans stars Greg Bird and Dave Taylor are the latest duo to be linked with the drugs scandal that has rocked the NRL.
Both have been issued with notices to appear in court in relation to the scandal.