Proctor sacked after vaping
KEVIN Proctor has been fined $15,000 and sacked by the Titans for vaping midway through Gold Coast’s loss to the Bulldogs on Sunday.
The Titans’ decision follows revelations that the former skipper broke Australian stadium laws by using an e-cigarette during Gold Coast’s defeat at Commbank Stadium.
Proctor, who was fined $20,000 by the Titans and banned for four games in 2017 over a cocaine scandal, used his own social media account to post vision of himself vaping in what appears to be a toilet cubicle.
The footage includes a caption saying: “Not the half time vape”. During the sevensecond video Proctor, wearing a Titans polo, sucks on the ecigarette and shakes his head as he blows smoke into the camera.
The video was posted at 3.17pm, while the Titans-bulldogs clash was taking place.
The Titans on Monday afternoon confirmed they had severed ties with Proctor.
“The Gold Coast Titans have sanctioned Kevin Proctor after being made aware of an incident during yesterday’s round 19 fixture against the Bulldogs,” the club said.
“Proctor has also been released from his commitments with the club for the remainder of the year and will not return to train or play with the squad.
“His actions were in breach of both NRL and stadium regulations.”
It is the latest drama to hit the Titans, who are equal last and fighting to avoid their second wooden spoon in four seasons.
Fox Sports cameras captured Proctor in attendance at Commbank Stadium after he was overlooked for the Gold Coast’s top 17 squad.
Smoking is banned at all major Australian stadiums and the Titans have taken a hardline stance against Proctor for vaping inside Commbank Stadium.
Proctor, 33, was off contract at season’s end. He will head to the Super League next season with his management in negotiations with a number of English clubs including Salford, Wakefield and Hull FC.
Proctor is currently fit but has been unable to force his way into the 15th-placed Titans starting side behind backrowers David Fifita and Beau Fermor.