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.
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.
“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.”
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?
Noodles
Guest
Your attitude Slav is the very reason rugby in oz is falling apart. You all need your sugar and you don't care you you get it.
Demak
Roar Rookie
Have not read all comments but for me ".....Wendal Sailor gets 2 years Hunt gets 6 weeks What am I missing
Zero Gain
Guest
The friends are adults who requested supply. They are not victims.
Utah
Guest
That's not right TWAS. The period in question was Sept 1 - Oct 3, when he was contracted to Gold Coast.
AndyS
Guest
"Already showing positive signs"...? In retrospect, that's some unfortunate wording!
grapeseed
Guest
That makes my Coolabah Moselle look like a bargain - $12.99 for 5L!
Jacks
Guest
Yeah drug supply does not undermine the jersey he wears but the others did. That is nothing but absurd and I think you know that.
John
Guest
Michael
Guest
Of course. But these travel implications impact anyone convicted, not just elite sportspeople. Hence my original point.
World in Union
Guest
Ridiculous fine ! He should be reinstated to the Reds line-up immediately and fined no more than the court imposed - $2500. For goodness sake, he wasn't even convicted, nor did this happen while he was a member of the rugby fraternity. Over the top punishment
Daz
Guest
Mate the difference is clear. Hunt admitted his guilt and was found guilty of a victimless crime. He has only hurt himself and his family and lost something that can take a lifetime to build up but can be lost in a moment, his reputation. The rest of the little scallywags I mentioned consciously or negligently or irresponsibly undermined the reputation of the green and gold jersey and deliberately set out to undermine others in the team. Hunt hasn't even pulled on the jersey yet.
Stray Gator
Roar Rookie
I get my Coke from my local supermarket, Harry. I think it's bottled in Adelaide. Bloody fizzy - bubbles really get my sinuses going.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
The period in question was September to December 2014 I believe. http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/super-rugby/quade-cooper-says-karmichael-hunt-is-already-showing-positive-signs-in-codeswitch/story-e6frf4qu-1227078836182 In this article dated 3 October 2014 Quade Cooper is quoted saying "He’s been practising, he’s spent the last two weeks practising passing". That implies that Hunt was training as early as 19 September 2014 with the QLD Reds. He in fact
Jocelyn
Guest
The ARU once again fined a player for $32,500. For cocaine related. ARU paying him $million of dollars. What a joke!!!. Suspended for 6 wks, no VC it's very soft. ( for cocaine related and compare to KB saga?) I think ARU should try to suspend a player for 12 months, and fine $65,000 for a cocaine related) I don't think he's agood player for Rugby anyway, they lost against Brumbies. Compare to KB saga - if the ARU employee doesn't want to be critisised that employee shouldn't be in that job. If ARU can't take the the truth - leave.. AFL very clever they went quite and release KH. So who bought him Rugby? Here's the things that ARU should do in the future when the buy an new player. 1: ARU should rewrite or write a new contract to say if you got caught in a cocaine / drug dealer or mule - you will be automaticaly finish at Rugby. Also if you are involved any violent , domestic violent, guns, improper sex to young boys,young girls - finish their career.
The Battered Slav
Guest
Don't worry, we won't miss your type, and your black and white view of the world will match your new supporters' gear nicely. Chur bro
Jacks
Guest
Mate hunt was charged with cocaine supply charges. This trumps any 'roar' let's throw our hands in the air two rugby players had a fight, slept in missed a photo shoot. Get a grip pal
abdul
Guest
Hi Harry, Pot and Meth based drugs are generally domestic, though imports also occur, and Heroin and Coke imported. Oz doesn't have the right environment to grow coca plants. Could grow poppies as is done in Tasmania for pharmaceutical drugs but no black market Heroin production.
abdul
Guest
Trafficking requires the Crown to prove that he earns his livelihood from the business of supplying drugs. Nowhere near enough evidence for that. My friend. You'll tell me what you think happened but in fact you don't know and haven't got a clue how the court system works. As it happened he was never charged with Trafficking but with Supply which is completely different and demonstrates your lack of knowledge of this case. Plea deals from supply to possession, murder to manslaughter, serious assault to minor assault (need I go on) are all part of the process and you don't have to be a rugby player. That's what's not corrupt about a charge being altered, which in this case isn't what happened anyway. He was charged with 4 counts of possession and one of supply. The evidence for supply was shaky so the deal was done to drop it if he copped the 4 possessions. As a former cop I encourage you to take to the streets to protest the lessening of charges but you have to realise it isn't just high profile people that get charges reduced. It is everyone.
Shungmao
Guest
Let's not bring Bundy into this CP, the square bottle has been a sound role model to many Aussies locally & abroad. PS. yes drunk with COKE but the liquid teeth rotting brown stuff.
Moreton Bait
Roar Pro
Agree Harry, very expensive high. Makes my litre of Laphroaig Quarter Cask look like an absolute bargain. About $85 for 1000ml - if you know the right dealer. As a bonus, it's also legal to possess or distribute and in my opinion, delicious!.