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Karmichael Hunt suspended for six weeks, fined $30,000 by ARU

Karmichael says his injuries are a thing of the past. (Photo: AAP)
5th March, 2015
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The Australian Rugby Union have fined Karmichael Hunt $30,000 and suspended him for six weeks after he pleaded guilty in court today to four counts of possession of a prohibited drug.

He was given a $2,500 fine with no conviction recorded for the offence. That brings his total fine to $32,500.

The ARU has said Hunt has accepted the penalties, despite the fact he was contracted to the Gold Coast Suns at the time of the offence.

He has also been stood down as vice captain of the Reds.

Hunt will resume playing with the Reds in Round 8 of Super Rugby, having already sat out Rounds 2 and 3 of the competition. Those two rounds will count towards his suspension.

He will resume training with the Reds from Monday 23 March ahead of their match against the the Rebels in Melbourne.

Hunt will also undergo a drug treatment and rehabilitation program and will be placed on a monitored and targeted drug testing program in accordance with the ARU’s and RUPA’s illicit drugs program.

ARU CEO Bill Pulver said: “We are extremely disappointed in Karmichael’s actions as illicit substances have no place in Rugby.

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“However we acknowledge that he is sincerely remorseful and has cooperated with the investigation and our integrity enquiries throughout this process.

“Karmichael has also accepted the penalty and consequences of his actions and understands the requirements of a professional athlete and the expectations of our code.”

QRU CEO Jim Carmichael that “Each individual will have their own perspective and opinion on this issue and this specific case based on their personal life experience.

“In arriving at these penalties we have all been acutely mindful of our responsibilities to sport and the wider community, as well as the long-term interests of the game, our stakeholders and our fans.

“However, major professional sport in Australia also regards the use of illicit substances as a welfare issue in the first instance.

“Karmichael has shown significant contrition and remorse throughout this process and Rugby is now applying the rationale in its Illicit Drugs Policy to ensure Karmichael receives the appropriate education and rehabilitation in advance of a return to the Rugby field.

“We have also decided that in the circumstances, Karmichael will stand down as a vice-captain of the Reds. The Reds have a significant leadership group to offer support to our captain James Slipper.”

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Karmichael Hunt said: “I made a terrible mistake last year and have no one but myself to blame for this situation. I am genuinely sorry for the distress I have caused my family, friends, teammates, Reds members, sponsors, fans and the wider Rugby and sporting community in Queensland and beyond.

“I intend to work through the education and rehabilitation program and will return to the game in a way that sends a clear message to sports fans of all ages that the use of illicit substances has no place in sport. I am grateful for the support I have received from Queensland Rugby over the past few weeks and intend to repay their loyalty through my future actions on and off the field.”

Many will see this as Hunt being given a lifeline by the Reds and the ARU.

What do you think of the move Roarers?

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