Brisbane Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam has been issued a breach notice by the NRL following his guilty plea for drug-driving and driving without a licence, stemming from a crash that occurred on October 18, 2024, in Brisbane’s inner west. The 21-year-old player was involved in a head-on collision while driving his ute, which struck an Uber vehicle, injuring both a child and a woman. Following the accident, Mam was tested for drugs, with both a roadside test and a subsequent second test returning positive results for illicit substances, including cocaine.
In court, Mam admitted to the charges, pleading guilty to driving under the influence and driving without a valid licence. For his actions, he was fined $850 and disqualified from driving for a minimum of six months. The magistrate overseeing the case criticized Mam’s reckless decision to drive while under the influence, noting that a combination of drugs, including cocaine, was found in his system. The court described his behavior as irresponsible and dangerous, with the magistrate expressing disappointment over Mam’s poor judgment.
Shortly after the legal proceedings, the NRL issued a breach notice to Mam, citing that his actions had “brought the game into disrepute.” The breach notice specifically pointed out that Mam’s illegal conduct violated the league’s code of conduct and reflected poorly on both the sport and his club, the Brisbane Broncos. In the NRL’s statement, it was revealed that further sanctions could be forthcoming, though specific details on potential penalties will not be disclosed until Mam has had the opportunity to respond to the breach notice. The NRL emphasized that, as per the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA), the final decision on any punishment will be made once Mam has been heard.
The breach notice highlights the seriousness of Mam’s actions, particularly given his high-profile position as a player in the NRL. His involvement in a car crash while under the influence not only jeopardized his own safety but also the safety of others, bringing attention to the risks of drug-driving. The NRL’s decision to issue the breach notice comes as part of the league’s broader commitment to upholding player standards and ensuring that players remain accountable for their conduct both on and off the field.
Mam, who has a promising career ahead of him, now faces the potential for additional consequences from the NRL, which could include further fines, suspensions, or other sanctions as the league seeks to ensure that players adhere to its code of conduct and maintain the integrity of the sport. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of personal responsibility, especially for high-profile athletes, who are often seen as role models by the public and young fans.
As Mam waits for further developments, the breach notice marks another significant challenge in his young career, one that will likely impact both his playing future and his reputation within the sport. The Brisbane Broncos and the NRL are both closely monitoring the situation as Mam navigates the legal and professional ramifications of his actions.
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