Brisbane Broncos centre James Roberts has allegedly been involved in a late-night incident at a Brisbane pub over the weekend, with reports emerging an ambulance and bouncers having to be called in.
All the usual scoopers have revealed bits of information on the alleged incident, but it seems as though the Broncos are aware of a late-night incident and have informed the NRL. Pete Badel of News Corp has revealed there is CCTV footage of Roberts being refused service at a venue, then being restrained by a bouncer before passing out.
Roberts had reportedly been refused service by the staff but would not leave the venue.
The centre has been in reasonable form for the Broncos this year, having moved from the Gold Coast Titans after a stellar year was capped off by a contract dispute, which saw him move to the Broncos.
Whether he will play a further part in the season is likely to be determined by what happened on the weekend, as Roberts’ history certainly doesn’t work in his favour.
The usuals, Danny Weidler and Josh Massoud, have divulged what they know about the incident.
Badel from the Courier Mail broke the story, and spoke on Fox Sports News.
“Disappointing news. Another incident involving James Roberts. It occurred on Sunday night at approximately 9:20 pm at the Normanby Hotel. It’s a well known establishment in Brisbane. It’s the domain of many a sporting star.
“The allegation is that James Roberts was refused service, and was heavily intoxicated.
“He became involved in a heated exchange with a bar maid, a female staffer. Security guards were called to intervene.
“They placed Roberts in a choker hold. He fell into unconsciousness, An ambulance was called. Thankfully he woke up. He then left the scene. Police were not called. Broncos are aware of the incident and the Integrity unit has been notified.
“CCTV apparently shows the incident but has not been released.”
How this plays out from here is anyone’s guess, but if the allegations are true it could be trouble for Roberts.
He was previously sacked from the Panthers for bad behaviour in 2012.
Roberts was involved in a number of drunken incidents at the Panthers, including getting into an altercation with a teammate. This was after he’d already been sacked from South Sydney in 2012 for incidents of a similar nature.
levi
Guest
like mitch pearce?
northerner
Guest
Let's see if I've got this right. Young bloke loses two previous jobs because of alcohol-related transgressions. Young bloke has a stellar year with the Titans, while under a drink ban. Moves to Broncos, and goes out on another binge, in probable violation of his contract. So, third strike (at least) for young bloke. His career is on the line, but no, just move along, nothing to see here.
Diplomatt
Guest
Isn't getting choked to unconsciousness by some security gorilla punishment enough?
Squidward
Roar Rookie
He was such a goose he had to put unconsious
JohnnoMcJohnno
Roar Rookie
So let me see if I have got this right. Young bloke gets drunk, makes goose of himself. Is that it?
Alex L
Roar Rookie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xECUrlnXCqk
jamesb
Guest
......this post has no conflict of interest at all.
Smell the fear
Guest
Has he actually written anything about the actual game ?
The Barry
Roar Guru
Outrage!!! Roberts should be stood down immediately for one game. There is no way he should be able to take the field tomorrow night with these most heinous charges unresolved. Make it happen Greenberg...
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Broncos fan ^^^
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Fine the goose heavily.Some of these guys never learn.Waynie should be ripping in to the guy.Looks as if teh Titans are laughing and dodged a bullet. Sorry to hear about Ken Thornett true legend of the game.RIP.
Norad
Guest
The SMH, DT & 9 won't give this any coverage. They will however go big on NRL incidents like Roberts, as well reproduce Melbourne media stories on the passing of a Melbourne AFL legend no one in Sydney has ever heard of. ANyway in this case the NRL found out Thornett passed away from the Leeds club in England. Hopeless.
AR
Guest
not bad
jamesb
Guest
On more serious news, Parramatta legend, Ken Thornett has passed away aged 78. http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/parramatta-eels/vale-the-mayor-of-parramatta-eels-legend-ken-thornett-dies-aged-78-20160817-gqucg2.html
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
Harmichael! Oldie but a goodie.
andrew
Guest
So is this "Breaking News" because security at a bar used excessive force or because a human got refused service at a bar and was a twit about it? Either way, not breaking..
Benedict Arnold
Guest
Bloke is playing monopoly with his career. So many chances...
jamesb
Guest
The big deal is whoever breaks the story first. Wiedler v Massoud Nine v Seven What a contest! Anyway, they got the right James Roberts, the league player, and not James Roberts, the Australian swimmer.
The Sturgeon
Guest
Is this the same pub that Lockyer "wasn't" wrestling bouncers at? Or is this the one Darius, Harmichael and Thaiday were helping a lady in the cubicle?
P. Marlowe
Guest
By the timeline of the tweets above, looks like Weidler. This scoop probably put him in line for his fifth Pultizer...