The immediate playing future of Tyrone May is up in the air, after Penrith sacked the 25-year-old following a string of off-field incidents.
May had been issued with a show cause notice relating to his conduct following the club’s grand final win over Souths, alleging a “serious breach” of his contract.
It related to a social media post that appeared to reference his highly publicised court case, which saw him labelled “morally reprehensible” and “criminal” by a magistrate.
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The 25-year-old was sentenced to 300 hours of community service and a three-year good behaviour bond after pleading guilty to four counts of intentionally recording an intimate image without consent. He missed the entire 2019 season while the matter was before the courts.
“And the dirt that they threw on my name turned to soil and I grew up out it,” May posted, referencing rapper Drake’s Fair Trade song.
“Time for y’all to figure out what y’all gon’ do about it. Love my brothers.”
May was fined $7500 by the NRL for the post, which he has since deleted, “for posting and being part of social media posts which do not align with the values of the game.”
May was contracted to Penrith until the end of the 2022 season, but that has been terminated with immediate effect.
“As a club we understand our responsibilities to the game, our corporate partners, our members and fans, and the wider rugby league community,” Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher said.
“The board observed due process in this matter and considered all relevant factors before reaching its final decision.
“Panthers will coordinate with the NRL to ensure Tyrone receives access to any support services he needs moving forward.”
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