A number of the NRL’s leading voices have weighed in on Penrith’s decision to sack utility Tyrone May.
The club today officially sacked the 25-year-old after a string of off-field incidents.
May had been hit with a show-cause notice by the Panthers for a social media post referencing his highly publicised sex tape court case, in which he received 300 hours of community service and a three-year good behaviour bond. The NRL had issued a $7500 fine for the post which appeared on his Instagram following the grand final.
The Penrith board discussed May’s position at the club and ultimately decided to tear up his contract.
Superstar teammate and Panthers captain Nathan Cleary showed support to May in an Instagram story shortly after the club’s verdict.
“My brother no matter what. Got you always,” Cleary wrote.
Meanwhile, 4BC and Nine’s Neil Breen said he wished the Panthers had gotten rid of the premiership-winning playmaker much earlier.
Before today’s decision was announced, Breen last month was one of the biggest names in media to denounce May’s post-grand final Instagram post.
“I think it’s a great outcome – it should’ve happened earlier, but it’s a great outcome,” Breen told 4BC Radio.
“What he did to those women… one of them spoke anonymously two Sundays ago, talking about how she can’t even walk around Penrith, getting out of the car… people say stuff to her.
“(He has) no place in rugby league, I’m glad they sacked him.”
Breen also took to Twitter by responding to Penrith’s announcement of May’s sacking.
May’s Instagram post, which involved a photo of his court case along with lyrics from artist Drake’s Fair Trade song, was mocked by Breen on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/breenie9/status/1455741613272027136https://twitter.com/JessiHalloran/status/1455746041668460582https://twitter.com/Cody_KayeFOX/status/1455745354532462592
May was contracted to Penrith until the end of the next 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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