Drugs, sex, domestic violence: football’s cover-up

[Alex Seyfarth's #1 Fan]

**Drugs, sex, domestic violence: football’s dark cover-up:** https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/nrl/drugs-sex-domestic-violence-nrls-dark-coverup-for-rabbitoh-sam-burgess/news-story/abfa9694484bcca38ae70f5a9fed2b4d

A pretty incredible story about the dark underbelly of rugby league. It's a long read, so I can't post the story. It's best read on the article's website. This is HUGE. It is the rugby league story of the year. It will damage the reputation of the NRL. You should take the opportunity to inform yourself.

The gist is Sam Burgess was committing infidelity, taking illegal drugs, abusing his partner, among other things, all while South Sydney covered it up. That short synopsis doesn't do the story justice. Read it if you have a spare 30 or so minutes. Don't read it if you would prefer to not learn about the bad side of footballers, or rather, people in general.

I honestly feel sick after reading that. I have actually heard some heinous stuff come out of my local clubs that I didn't think could be true. After reading this, it is clear these types of people are capable of doing them, so I am leaning towards believing the stories.

Another implication includes, what was super obvious and which everyone knew at the time, the rorting of his medical retirement. It was always suspect. Now we know it was an attempt to cover things up. How did he get a job at Fox again?

I feel particularly bad for Phoebe Burgess. She must be suffering so much in all this. No one can comprehend the pain she must be going through. I hope she can heal over time.

 

[tony soprano]

Just shows how much Souths get away with

 

[Wombat]

**Drugs, sex, domestic violence: football’s dark cover-up:** https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/nrl/drugs-sex-domestic-violence-nrls-dark-coverup-for-rabbitoh-sam-burgess/news-story/abfa9694484bcca38ae70f5a9fed2b4d

A pretty incredible story about the dark underbelly of rugby league. It's a long read, so I can't post the story. It's best read on the article's website. This is HUGE. It is the rugby league story of the year. It will damage the reputation of the NRL. You should take the opportunity to inform yourself.

The gist is Sam Burgess was committing infidelity, taking illegal drugs, abusing his partner, among other things, all while South Sydney covered it up. That short synopsis doesn't do the story justice. Read it if you have a spare 30 or so minutes. Don't read it if you would prefer to not learn about the bad side of footballers, or rather, people in general.

I honestly feel sick after reading that. I have actually heard some heinous stuff come out of my local clubs that I didn't think could be true. After reading this, it is clear these types of people are capable of doing them, so I am leaning towards believing the stories.

Another implication includes, what was super obvious and which everyone knew at the time, the rorting of his medical retirement. It was always suspect. Now we know it was an attempt to cover things up. How did he get a job at Fox again?

I feel particularly bad for Phoebe Burgess. She must be suffering so much in all this. No one can comprehend the pain she must be going through. I hope she can heal over time.

Paywall... cannot read it

 

[pawsandclaws1]

The victims of infidelity ie wives, husbands, partners often suffer from PTSD as a consequence of the behaviour associated with this type of betrayal. Many consider infidelity to be a form of abuse. So I have every sympathy for Phoebe and the distress she is no doubt experiencing. It can take up to 5 years for a victim of infidelity to recover.

 

[Deleted member 3518]

The victims of infidelity ie wives, husbands, partners often suffer from PTSD as a consequence of the behaviour associated with this type of betrayal. Many consider infidelity to be a form of abuse. So I have every sympathy for Phoebe and the distress she is no doubt experiencing. It can take up to 5 years for a victim of infidelity to recover.

Wait what ? How is cheating on your partner abuse ? It’s morally wrong , and breaks your heart , but it’s hardly abuse. That’s ridiculous. It’s not abuse if your feelings are hurt . The world sux sometimes . People are the worst . But you can’t cry ABUSE because someone does something crappy.

 

[innsaneink]

They time these things well.... We've been the victim of.media attacks.too

 

[tiger05premier]

If accusations true what a germ

With the medical retirement did rabbits and Crowe somehow fool the NRL or sorry Grennburg or was he part of the cover up ( of course if it is a fake medical retirement)

And if proven to be a fake retirement the rabbits should be heavily fined and have Sam's salary during his retirement added back to their cap over the amount of years it was signed for so they have to release players and rejig their cap to be compliant

And rusty should be suspended from all rabbits duties as JP was for RF saga

Only for much longer as this was a cover up

 

[innsaneink]

Can someone copy & paste plz

 

[Telltails]

Some very ugly allegations against Sam Burgess in the full story.

 

[Tigerlily]

Well this is annoying. Mmmmh! if only I could read it.

 

[pawsandclaws1]

The victims of infidelity ie wives, husbands, partners often suffer from PTSD as a consequence of the behaviour associated with this type of betrayal. Many consider infidelity to be a form of abuse. So I have every sympathy for Phoebe and the distress she is no doubt experiencing. It can take up to 5 years for a victim of infidelity to recover.

Wait what ? How is cheating on your partner abuse ? It’s morally wrong , and breaks your heart , but it’s hardly abuse. That’s ridiculous. It’s not abuse if your feelings are hurt . The world sux sometimes . People are the worst . But you can’t cry ABUSE because someone does something crappy.

There are behaviours associated with infidelity that are clearly forms of abuse. A cycle of behaviour, the so called rinse, wash, repeat is clearly a form of abuse. This type of behaviour impacts the foundations of a relationship and if you have heard of the term gaslighting this can undermine the victims reality and self worth. Gaslighting is often used by a perpetrator to get away with infidelity with 'you're crazy' or "you are making this up'. In a relationship, when your thoughts and feelings aren't validated, this can be incredibly damaging to your sense of reality and self esteem. Often those involved in this behaviour will blame the victim, often termed blame shifting. We often joke cheaters all operate off the same template and because of this their actions are predictable.. A victim needs to get space to see this behavioural pattern.

 

[tony soprano]

It’s huge very detailed sources proof in writing and police records proof Russell the grub Crowe covering up for his beloved footy team

 

[Telltails]

Can someone copy & paste plz

You can read it on "the Warren" if you have no access. It is very long and difficult to post

 

[jadtiger]

"Uncle" Rusty Souffs Burgess and Turdberg,what could possibly be dodgy about that?

 

[Masterton]

Drugs, sex, domestic violence: football’s dark cover-up
NRL powerhouse club South Sydney Rabbitohs covered up alleged drug use, domestic violence and harassment to protect star ­player Sam Burgess, and is accused of using fake identities to hide positive tests for illegal substances.

By SHARRI MARKSON and JESSICA HALLORAN and CLAIRE HARVEY
NRL powerhouse club South Sydney Rabbitohs covered up alleged drug use, domestic violence and harassment to protect a star ­player, and is accused of using fake identities to hide positive tests for illegal substances.

Officials from the Russell Crowe-owned club were aware of the destructive lifestyle of super­star Sam Burgess, and promoted him to captain despite knowing of his behaviour.

Burgess, 31, is now employed in a coaching role at the club.

A four-month investigation by The Australian has uncovered pharmaceutical records, sworn statements to NSW Police, statutory declarations, witness ­accounts, call logs, emails, text messages, bank records, Whats­App exchanges and Uber receipts detailing Burgess’s alleged episodes of drug use, domestic violence and abusive behaviour.

Souths chief medical officer Andrew McDonald treated Burgess during a drug-fuelled episode on November 6, 2018, and injected him with liquid tranquilliser — but wrote the prescription in another person’s name, according to pharmacy records obtained by The Australian.

In the wake of this incident, Burgess underwent a secret drug test with a different doctor on ­November 7, 2018, in the underground car park of South Sydney Juniors club, where he allegedly tested positive for MDMA and ketamine.

The drug tests were allegedly recorded under a fake name, ­according to sworn statements provided to NSW Police.

Dr McDonald was present — along with a nurse recommended by the club and another Rabbitohs player — when Burgess allegedly assaulted a heavily pregnant Phoebe Burgess in November 2018. “I don’t have any comment at this stage,” Dr McDonald said in response to questions submitted by The Australian.

Officials at the highest levels of the club were also notified about Burgess’s use of drugs in the months prior to his promotion to club captain in April 2019.

Lawyer Mark O’Brien, acting for Burgess, last night strongly ­denied all allegations. “The allegations are false and constitute an indefensible defamation against my client,” Mr O’Brien said.

“It is apparent sources of the false allegations are those currently in dispute with my client over various issues.”

Souths’ handling of its superstar athlete goes to the heart of elite football’s cultural problem: individual clubs suppressing ­scandals while failing to address the welfare of athletes and their families.

NRL rules require clubs to ­report to the NRL Integrity Unit any potential incident where a registered player has engaged in conduct that could bring the game into disrepute.

Burgess’s father-in-law, high-profile businessman Mitch Hooke, has for the first time revealed he witnessed Burgess assaulting his heavily pregnant daughter Phoebe during the November 2018 bender by crushing his 116kg body onto her as she screamed. Mr Hooke also said he heard Burgess harangue his wife with verbal abuse. including “you weak c…”.

“I was worried she was going to lose the baby,” Mr Hooke said when contacted by The Australian about the incident.

“You could tell she was in pain. She was inconsolable, she was crying. There was this wail, you can’t describe it. As a father, I can’t think of anything that was more traumatic in my life. If anyone who is a father or mother and hears their child let out that wail, it was deep and came out from right down inside, it was utter fear and traumatised like nothing I’ve ever heard. I will never, ever forget.”

Sam Burgess is currently facing a charge of intimidation (DV related) against Mr Hooke, relating to an October 2019 argument at Mr Hooke’s home.

Police also took an apprehended violence order against Burgess on Mr Hooke’s behalf. The AVO is still in place and Burgess has pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing.

In a statement to NSW Police in the AVO proceedings, obtained by The Australian, Phoebe Burgess, 31, wrote: “There have been a lot of issues in my relationship with Sam, including physical violence as well as emotional and psychological abuse. Sam during our relationship has made me feel intimidated and scared. I am ­fearful that his behaviour will continue and he will not stop intimidating me and making threats against me.”

Approached for comment by The Australian on Thursday, Phoebe Burgess would only say: “This is an extremely painful, difficult time and I am trying to care for my two toddlers while we move on from an extremely traumatic chapter of our lives.”

‘Culture review’

The NRL is in the midst of a “culture review” under new chairman Peter V’landys after a string of incidents involving individual players being accused of domestic violence and mistreatment of women.

Since Burgess’s retirement in October 2019 he has been employed as a development coach at Souths and mentored by veteran coach Wayne Bennett, positioning Burgess as a leader within the club and league.

Bennett insisted Burgess join him in the NRL’s Project Apollo meetings during the COVID-19 crisis and Burgess on Thursday trained with the Rabbitohs ahead of their elimination final against Newcastle on Sunday.

The Australian can reveal Burgess claimed in private messages in September 2018 that then-NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg told him he would not be ­suspended over a sexting scandal while it was still being investigated by the NRL and Souths.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Club we hate - “Typical grubby club. NRL loves them. They will cover it up”

Our club - “This is so unfair. A media hit job. The club should sue. NRL won’t do anything cos they hate us”

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

wow this makes the JP and Farah fines seem ridiculous if true

 

[the_third]

It’s a maximum damage article if it’s come out through the Australian. V’Landys must have peeved someone

 

[pawsandclaws1]

That article is one of the ugliest I have read in a week. Some of those allegations could end careers if proven.

 

[pawsandclaws1]

It’s a maximum damage article if it’s come out through the Australian. V’Landys must have peeved someone

Remember Phoebe's father was head of the National Farmers Federation. There is the alleged incident at their wedding where a certain guest, a current NRL player, is. reported to have scuffled with Phoebe's brother in law, a former Wallaby.