The National Rugby League (NRL) and Melbourne Storm player Tui Kamikamica have both issued statements today.
NRL Statement
The National Rugby League (NRL) has issued Melbourne Storm player Tui Kamikamica with a Breach Notice alleging he brought the game into disrepute following an incident in Brisbane on 13 November last year.
Kamikamica was charged by Queensland Police with assault occasioning actual bodily harm following the incident, with that charge being dismissed in the Queensland Magistrate’s Court on 27 April.
Following the conclusion of the criminal proceedings the NRL has reviewed available CCTV footage of the incident which showed Kamikamica in a physical altercation with a female member of the public. Any form of violence against women will not be tolerated by the NRL.
The Breach Notice proposes Kamikamica be suspended for nine matches and fined $10,000 with 50 percent suspended pending completion of mandatory personal development and tailored rehabilitation programs with NRL Wellbeing & Education.
Kamikamica will be permitted to play in Round 10 of the Premiership, following the commencement of the training programs and the fulfilment of certain conditions.
In considering the sanction, the NRL has taken into account the player’s previous clear record and forthright evidence.
He will be permitted to credit matches for which he was ineligible under the NRL’s No Fault Stand Down policy against his suspension.
Kamikamica has five business days to respond to the Breach Notice.
Tui Kamikamica Statement
Late last year while out with my family and friends, I was involved in an altercation and acted in an unacceptable way.
I would like to publicly apologise for my behaviour.
I am grateful today the charges against me have been withdrawn, but importantly, I want to reiterate that I am completely opposed to violence and in particular any form of violence towards women.
During my time stood down from playing, I have reflected on my behaviour and undertaken independent counselling to ensure I am never in this position again.
I will continue this personal development and education, as well as share my learnings when and where appropriate to ensure issues surrounding women’s safety, violence and respect are upheld within both the entire NRL and wider community.
Once again, I would like to apologise for my behaviour.
I would like to thank my family, friends and the Melbourne Storm for their support during this difficult time.
