Manly NRL star Brett Stewart has been charged with a low-range drink-driving offence after failing a random breath test on Sydney’s northern beaches on Monday morning.
Stewart was pulled over on Pittwater Rd at Warriewood at around 10am, and after failing a breath test, was taken to Mona Vale Police Station where he allegedly recorded a blood alcohol level of 0.079.
The Sea Eagles have confirmed they are aware of the incident and have informed the NRL integrity unit.
Stewart is the latest in a string of NRL stars to have blown over the limit in recent years.
Knights prop Willie Mason is the latest victim, though didn’t incur a suspension.
Former Rooster Todd Carney earned himself a $10,000 fine for DUI in 2011, while North Queensland’s James Tamou was suspended from State of Origin and fined $20,000 last year for blowing four times the legal limit and driving without a license.
With AAP
KB
Guest
Now you're starting to get it..
Sleemo
Guest
Haha, yeah because rugby league is all about choosing the best role models to give you the best chance of winning a footy game.
planko
Guest
Low Range is for amatuers when he gets done Special Range counselling maybe required.
Cugel
Roar Rookie
You mean drinkers.
Grey nurse shark
Guest
Love to hear what bourbon bec wilson has to say, i knw if it was a sharks player!!!!!
Numbers Man
Guest
It was a pretty light offence, I think he should pay the penalty under the law and we all move on. But I wonder when clubs will start insisting on no drinking at all during the season? I understand that professional soccer players in Europe are starting to stop drinking to give them the edge over team mates for positions and opposition.
E-Meter
Guest
I think David Gallup should apologise.
KBk
Guest
Yes. It would be wise to choose a better role model as the Custodian in the 2014 SOO series.
clipper
Guest
Yes, all good points - but remember two wrongs don't make a right!
clipper
Guest
'Everyday' people aren't newsworthy and therefore their employers won't be mentioned when their workers get into mischeif - so quite a big difference.
Charles NSW
Guest
There are laws in place that we all abide by! Stewart broke the law and he has paid the penalty This is no different to anyone else in society and fair enough Putting the dirt in because he is well known is not the issue Everyone is the same in the eyes of the law, at least it is supposed to be
eagleJack
Guest
Yeah, could have been. Just like every car accident could have been fatal. But only a small percentage are. Plenty of drunks right across Sydney. Plenty in Australia. Hardly think it is an isolated Northern Beaches issue. Any further words of wisdom KB?
Patrick Effeney
Editor
Legal term Matthew. Not trying to euphemise - trying to give an accurate description of what happened. Most headlines read "Stewart done for drink driving" or similar - which is more accurate and fair?
KB
Guest
Could of been a very serious crime if he had of hit somebody and hurt or killed them, a lot of drunks on the peninsula...
Muzz
Guest
The law actually states that 0.05 to 0.079 is "low range"
Matthew Skellett
Guest
It's always interesting how journos try and minimise drink driving offenses by calling it "low-range" a euphemism for "he's a star player he should be let off lightly"
Squidward
Roar Rookie
We don't need to judge him, a judge will judge him
Squidward
Roar Rookie
What?? Until someone kills themselves or worse someone innocent
Storm Boy
Guest
And the Plumbers Guild should do something about plumbers done for DUI too. Maybe the Media association could do one on media people that go DUI.
Doug Graves
Guest
NRL has to do something here, League players cannot think it's acceptable to drink and drive. There are already enough blockheads out there doing it and League players should be setting a good example. Suspend him for a couple of weeks and make him do some community service for wasting Police time.