‘Reds not drug den’
REDS leader James Slipper will receive extra treatment for depression after two positive tests for cocaine forced Queensland’s rattled rugby team to defend accusations of a drug culture.
New Queensland Rugby Union chairman Jeff Miller yesterday strongly denied any connection between drugtainted Karmichael Hunt and the shock Slipper revelations.
“That’s trying to connect some dots I don’t think are relevant,” Miller said.
Gold Coast product Slipper, 28, has been suspended for two months and fined $27,500 for the two positive out-of-competition tests for illicit drugs.
A serious family health issue has fed the fragile mental state of the prop, who captained the Wallabies against the US in Chicago in 2015.
In a statement, Slipper’s deep hurt, contrition and circumstances were laid bare.
“In no way do my personal circumstances excuse my actions but I recognise now that I was not coping and that I need to properly address these wellness issues,” Slipper said.
“I have been suffering wellness issues including depression for a year and have been receiving professional assistance for the last few months.
“I take full responsibility for my actions and apologise unreservedly.”
The February finding was kept confidential, in line with the code’s first-strike policy, and the QRU was only notified of an issue this week after a second test this month.
“We were shocked and extremely disappointed (particularly because) there is a large amount of responsibility on the shoulders of a senior player,” Miller said. “I’m confident there’s no drug culture (in the team). James has played over 100 games and been of the absolute highest character and I believe there are extenuating circumstances we need to take into account.
“The welfare of our players is extremely important to us and we, as a board, will take a considered approach with a lot of information coming to us.”
The two-month stand down period was the minimum ban and was applied by a Drugs Tribunal last Thursday.
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