Parramatta playmaker Corey Norman has copped an eight-week suspension from the NRL, as well as a $20,000 fine for his various indiscretions over the past few months.
The NRL handed down the verdict after the Integrity Unit’s investigation into Norman’s antics, which included:
– Consorting with known criminals
– Being convicted for drug possession at The Star Casino
– An alleged sex tape, as well as a video involving drug use
– Distribution of said videos.
Well…
It’s quite a rap sheet Norman has built up for himself over the past weeks, and the NRL has investigated and decided to act. The move has been backed by Parramatta.
Nick Weeks, the NRL’s head of integrity, said Norman’s antics were a signal for players: No more.
“The message is clear… players cannot put themselves in a position where they may damage their own reputations and that of the game,” Mr Weeks said.
“We have been consistent this year in imposing strong penalties where players bring the game into disrepute through actions off the field.
“Whether it is drug possession, criminal associations or social media use, players understand the consequences that can flow from illegal or other unacceptable conduct.
“While it is a regrettable trend in society for people to look to sell footage of sports stars in their private lives there is an easy solution for our players – do not engage in activity which will damage their reputation or that of the game.”
Weeks is referring to Norman, and more recently a Brisbane Broncos player allegedly being held to ransom, with a recipient of a video that shows potentially unsavoury or illegal activity being shopped around to the media.
With Parramatta effectively out of the finals race due to the 12-point penalty they were slapped with for cheating the salary cap, Norman will miss the rest of the season.
The question of the fairness of the punishment will inevitably be asked, but considering the four offences being alleged, it seems like eight weeks, and the rest of the season is a reasonable result.
What do you reckon Roarers? Is this the punishment you would have handed down to Norman?
Worrier
Guest
Biggest joke.
Worrier
Guest
as a warriors fan this is f***ed. How does a player do this get 8 weeks and here we are with Charlie Gubb gets 7 weeks for a shoulder charge that had no penalty, not put on report.... REALLY????????????????? League is a joke.... however go Warriors lol
Pot Stirrer
Guest
Why was Mitchell pearce fined 125k, I was happy enough with the punishment for pearce, but i struggle to see how consorting with Criminals and a drug conviction is not worse
Marshall
Guest
That's right, after Corey's conviction goes through other Parra players will need to stay away or risk suspension
steveng
Roar Rookie
Norman wont cop any sympathy from anyone if he continues acting and being a pork chop. He is a very talented player with a great future ahead of him but if he continues tying his brain up with drugs (like former Queensland star Jason Smith with cocaine trafficking) and tying himself up with the wrong people, he wont get anywhere. I thought he was smarter than that but he mustn't be. My advice to him is, to give all this up and do what he does best and that is play NRL, otherwise he will end up like many that have ruined their careers with drugs. Simple Cory and its up to you.
Oingo Boingo
Guest
He'd a got 20 yrs had he been running around in red white n blue .
no one in particular
Roar Guru
You can't consort with a suspected criminal, but you can run on the field with a convicted criminal
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Every NRL contract has a standard behavioural clause
Ryan Ranger
Roar Rookie
On top of the suspensions and fines handed out to Norman, one would hope he also received a clip over the ears and a severe, harshly-worded reprimand telling him to pull his head in.
The Bear
Guest
OK the drugs stuff deserves punishment, but how is a player supposed to know who is a suspected criminal, and if someone has previously been convicted haven't they done their time? Pretty sure most administrators have had conduct with people convicted of crimes. And all this fluff about players bringing the game into disrepute...how about the club bringing the game into disrepute??? And what is disrepute, other than reason that the Daily Tele sells more papers?? Which players brought the game into disrepute last year or the year before? Anyone remember? Its all a soap opera.
McNaulty
Guest
If the game is so concerned about the public image get rid of Beau Ryan and the footy show - these are a set back even to a drug riddled sport. And try to get the players to speak English above a 3rd grade level. Those are the things that are "must address issues".
Tom Rock
Expert
Playing for Parramatta is punishment enough
Muzz
Guest
What a joke! Anyways, he will stuff up again. Great player and in career best form but an absolute dope.
Chui
Guest
Great post
Chui
Guest
Just maybe, HE is the wrong criwd Not having a go at jamesB, but it's too convenient for a lot of these guys to mitigate their stuff ups with the excuse of the wrong crowd
Connor Bennett
Editor
That's one of the biggest "ifs" i've ever seen mate!
Davico
Guest
You seem to be under the impression that "bringing the game into disrepute" is somehow connected to doing something illegal. The NRL is a private enterprise that all players for all clubs must be registered to play in according to whatever rules the NRL makes up, just like any other employer in the country. Sure they cant sack or suspend you because of your age, race, sexuality etc. They are well within their rights to put clauses in your registration that says if you conduct yourself in a way that reflects badly on them then you will face the consequences. Just like any other employer in the country. I find it strange that people bring up the law in cases like this??!! If you ran a business and your employees did this sort of stuff and our clients found out and said whats going on what would your response be?? I know plenty of people who have been asked to move on for a lot less than some of the stuff footballers get away with. Your getting paid to do something you love for what 10 years if you are an absolute gun??? How hard is it? Throw your life away after your career if you want! Just don't do it and expect someone to pay you at the same time.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
So if Parra make the finals, he'll be OK to play.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
To be expected,nothing he did on 3 incidents brought the game any merit. If he doesn't learn with these penalties,he never will.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Obviously, I'm not aware of if he distributed it at all (and honestly don't care unless he did something illegal) -- it certainly didn't seem like he was given the stories about someone flogging it.