Melbourne CEO, Justin Rodski, has issued a public letter to the club’s members and fans to address the video controversy that’s engulfed three Storm players this week.
Brandon Smith, Cameron Munster, and Chris Lewis are being investigated by the NRL’s integrity unit over two videos that allegedly show them in a room where there is a white substance on a table.
The footage emerged on social media the day after Melbourne was bundled out of the premiership race in Saturday’s preliminary final loss to Penrith.
“This week should have been one to recognise another strong season for our club, on and off the field,” Rodski wrote in a public letter on Wednesday.
“It’s grand final week and, while we unfortunately aren’t playing, the actions of three of our players has put our club in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. To our members and fans, I wanted to address the video released on Monday and the process which is currently being undertaken.
“We have been working with the NRL as part of their integrity investigation, and we were hoping to have this matter dealt with quickly to provide you with an update sooner than today. Unfortunately, the NRL Integrity Unit have not yet completed their investigation and we need to let this process run its course.
“Having spent a lot of time with the players involved over the last few days, I know they are extremely remorseful and embarrassed.
“They know they have let their club down – their teammates, their coaches, our staff, partners and you – our members and fans – who look up to them and support them.
READ MORE: Grand final referee weighs in on feud between coaches
READ MORE: Messi scores superb first goal for PSG in Champions League
READ MORE: Joe Root still not committed to England’s Ashes team
“We are proud of the standards we set each year as a club. Anyone who wears the Melbourne Storm jersey or works for the Melbourne Storm football club understands and respects that.
“Unfortunately, Cameron, Brandon and Chris let those standards slip and have made a poor error in judgement. They know the choices they have made will have a significant impact on many, many people.
“They also know they have a responsibility as role models in the community to uphold the standards and values expected of them as high-profile, elite athletes. They are good young men who have given a lot to our club and we will provide the support they need to look after their welfare during this period, but they will also be held to account for their actions.
“We expect to be in a position to provide an update to our members early next week. The three players involved will also be present to address this issue directly once the investigation has concluded.”
The NRL has not indicated when the integrity unit will complete the investigation.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!