The NRL could be about to take the unprecedented move of suspending Ricky Stuart in the wake of his controversial comments about Panthers half Jaeman Salmon.
Stuart called Salmon a โweak-gutted dogโ and cited a personal history during the closing moments of the Raidersโ press conference following the game. He has since been investigated by the NRL Integrity Unit as Salmonโs family called for the league to act.
After speaking with Stuart and reportedly getting all the details and context about the terse relationship, which stretches back to when Salmon was a child, the Daily Telegraph reports the NRL is expected to announce a one-week suspension and $20,000 fine for Stuart in response to his comments.
โIโve spoken to Jason King from the Integrity Unit,โ Stuart told the Telegraph.
โConfidentially, Iโve given him the reason behind my comments. I donโt want to comment any further.โ
King will reportedly hand his final report to NRL CEO Andrew Abdo in the coming days.
Stuart had already offered a broad apology that didnโt address Salmon personally, but heโs been widely condemned for the overly personal nature of the attack.
The Canberra Raiders also announced yesterday that they will accept any punishment handed down to Stuart.
โAs a club we do not condone the comments made by Ricky in Saturdayโs press conference and we are currently in dialogue with the NRL and cooperating with their inquiries,โ said Don Furner.
โWe will accept their findings and any sanctions handed down.โ
