Karmichael Hunt is free to play for the Queensland Reds effective immediately after Rugby Australia settled on his punishment on Monday.
Hunt was given a four-match ban but this was backdated to the start of the Super Rugby season given Hunt has been serving a voluntary stand-down during this time.
Given that the Reds have already played four matches, Hunt’s ban is therefore considered already served, freeing him up to return to the field.
He has however been handed a $10,000 fine by Rugby Australia and will be placed on a illicit drug target testing program for 12 months, and possibly take part in drug treatment and education programs.
The news is another boost for Reds coach Brad Thorne who will now have to work out the best way to integrate Hunt back into a team that is in winning form.
“We take all matters of off-field behaviour seriously and have conducted a thorough investigation into the events surrounding Karmichael Hunt’s arrest in December, and the subsequent Court proceedings,” said Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle.
“In arriving at today’s outcome, we’ve considered the judgement of the Court and all the evidence we had available relating to Karmichael’s arrest, as well as considering the damage that the very public nature of his arrest and the subsequent speculation has inflicted on the game.
“The penalty handed down to Karmichael today also takes into account a previous disciplinary matter for which he was fined and suspended in 2015.”
Kane
Guest
Well if my employer made me pay a fine for something I didn't do or get sacked I certainly wouldn't be paying the fine.
Drongo
Guest
*I meant no evidence he is a poor trainer. He is a undeniably a brilliant player.
Drongo
Guest
Jesus?
Drongo
Guest
There is no evidence whatsoever that Cooper is a poor player or that he is not a team man. There is a huge amount of evidence that he is an excellent trainer and always puts the Reds first.
Drongo
Guest
Pay $10,000, receive the balance of, what $400,000? (Whatever he is being paid) Refuse to pay $10,000, get sacked and zero $.
Kane
Guest
Why is he accepting a 10k fine if he's innocent?
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
Still have the same problems with rosters already been picked. Might be more willing to head to Europe though
Peter
Guest
This is not about this article but about the headline on the video which appeared above it. "Reds rampage the Jaguares." Jesus wept. Or he would have if he was fluent in English instead of Hebrew/Aramaic/Greek/Latin. Is it not possible to find headline writers who have at least a passing acquaintance with the English language instead of someone with a Cert 3 in Real Estate PR flimflam? I gather that at least some of the experts and gurus who appear here are not happy with what is done to their fine writing. To whom do we send our complaints? That is, directly, to someone who might or might not give a shit (and probably won't).
Armchair Sportsfan
Guest
I dont disagree with you Timbo. My comment was more based on what I think Thorn and QRU will do....
Malo
Guest
Just has to make another deal to cover the 10k fine.
Malo
Guest
Hunts drug taking has reduced his playing potential. Could have been a great but just got overpaid and enjoyed himself.
Will W QOS
Roar Pro
What is the opposite to Cooper? Haven't seen anywhere Thorn saying that Cooper is a bad trainer or poor team player? Thorns decision is that he isnt the flyhalf he wants - full stop.
Will W QOS
Roar Pro
I wonder what the Thorn / Hunt relationship was like in their playing days together... 3 seasons and 1 Premiership Might hold him in good stead?
Gary Russell-Sharam
Roar Rookie
IMO hunt should not play for the Reds again he has had two chances now and got off lightly on both occasions, he has had history of unseemly behaviour off field as far back as the Broncos and no matter what doesn't seem to learn. I would think he would be a detrimental influence on younger players within the team. Certainly if my boy was in the Reds I would be having a serious talk to him to not associate with hunt off the field and to be very mindful of not being influenced by him. I really think that the Reds can do without him and for once they seem to be backing their young players to stand up to be counted. Stewart was far from perfect on the weekend but he will learn heaps from this outing. Certainly a lot more than riding the pine as he has done for a while. With Perese due back and prey that they punt Nabuli, they have the cattle to be very competitive without Hunt. I would prefer that he ply his trade elsewhere I'm sure there is a French side that would welcome him for his retirement fund. And that is where he is at the moment he is 31 + and IMO it is time to look to the future and nurture younger talent
Fionn
Guest
I agree with you, Riddler, Toua is playing very well.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
I know they are both Class A but Meth is a much harder addiction to recover from.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Which aspect of team culture doesn't Hunt fit into? My understanding it that he trains well and is a great team player (opposite to Cooper) Just has a bit of a problem with the Booga Sugar and partying in his free time. If he wasn't a public figure nobody would care.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Won't it be Toa?
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
I see what you did there. Moderators be gone, this is the Pun Police.
AJ
Guest
He'll be good for the mighty eagles.