ENGLAND international rugby league star Victor Radley has been handed a record ban for bringing his club into disrepute.
Victor Radley has been handed a 10-game ban by his club
The 27-year-old’s name was brought up in a case against New Zealand star Brandon Smith, but he has not been charged with a crime
Radley has not been charged with a crime and there are no allegations of wrongdoing.
However, messages between him and Smith have been widely reported in Australia.
The international’s team, the Sydney Roosters, have therefore suspended him for 10 games and ordered him to make a £22,000 ($30,000) donation to St Vincent’s Hospital for cancer research.
Radley will also be denied payment from the club while he is serving the ban.
Despite ordering the ban, the Roosters have acknowledged that Radley has not been charged by Queensland Police.
However, they believe the fact that his name was mentioned has brought the club into disrepute,
The 10-game ban is the heaviest ever given out by the Sydney Roosters.
A club statement read: “Sydney Roosters are aware of references in the media to communications allegedly between Sydney Roosters player Victor Radley and others in relation to allegedly obtaining an illegal substance.
“While Radley has not been charged by Queensland Police, the references in the media to communications allegedly between him and others have brought the Sydney Roosters into disrepute.
“Consequently, following internal discussions with senior club officials and a meeting of the Roosters Board of Directors, the Club will impose the following sanctions on Radley for the negative attention the allegations have brought to the Club: A 10-match suspension, without pay. A $30,000 donation to be made to the St Vincent’s Hospital (for cancer research).
“This represents the heaviest sanction ever imposed on a player in the Club’s history.
“Victor Radley has accepted these sanctions and expressed his remorse.”
In his own statement, the 27-year-old said: “I want to sincerely apologise to the Club, my teammates, our sponsors, Members and fans for the negative spotlight I have brought on the Roosters.
“I accept the sanctions in full and will work hard to earn back the trust and respect of everyone who supports this great Club.”
Radley has played for the Roosters since 2017.
The star has also made nine appearances for England since his debut three years ago.
