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Queensland Reds chairman Jeff Miller insists James Slipper’s suspension for cocaine abuse comes with an asterisk, but whether no-nonsense coach Brad Thorn agrees remains to be seen.
Slipper, 28, is in the final year of his Super Rugby contract and after copping a two-month suspension for his second drug offence this year, faces the prospect of never playing for the Reds again.
Citing a battle with depression in a statement on Thursday, Slipper’s case is being treated with care by the Reds and Rugby Australia.
Miller revealed the long-time Wallaby prop had been in chats with Thorn about his mental health earlier this season and that “some accommodations” around his training program had been made to address his issues.
But, as per the code’s illicit drugs policy, the club was not aware of Slipper’s drug indiscretions until his second offence and Miller admitted they were shocked to receive news of his misdemeanours.
“While we have been aware of these (mental health) issues and we have been working with him, obviously we haven’t been able to cover all bases,” Miller conceded.
“It’s a shame that it has got to something like this.”
Miller backed Thorn’s cultural overhaul in justifying his confidence in the Reds’ program, which sees the young squad carrying a 4-7 record ahead of Saturday’s Suncorp Stadium clash with the Highlanders.
As part of that approach, high-profile fullback Karmichael Hunt hasn’t been sighted at Ballymore since fronting court on drugs charges earlier this year despite being cleared to play in March.
Miller, a former coach and player at the Reds, insists Hunt’s is a “different story” to Slipper’s but that he backed Thorn’s hard line.
“You have a very strong coach in the name of Brad Thorn who is instigating cultural change within this organisation which we support,” Miller said.
“Brad is extremely disappointed and you can understand that.”
Slipper has played 86 Tests and recently clocked 100 Super Rugby games, but was not part of the most recent Wallabies training camp ahead of next month’s home series against Ireland.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.