The Bulldogs have torn up Josh Addo-Carr‘s contract almost two months after the superstar winger tested positive to cocaine in a roadside drug test.
Addo-Carr and his camp met with the Bulldogs board at Belmore Sports Ground on Thursday night and it was confirmed by the club shortly after that the embattled flyer had been sacked.
The 29-year-old had a year to run on his $550,000-a-year contract.
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Joined by his lawyer Elias Tabchouri, his manager Mario Tartak and a representative from the Rugby League Players Association, Addo-Carr pleaded unsuccessfully for the Bulldogs to keep him.
“This decision was not made lightly and follows careful consideration by the board,” the statement said of Addo-Carr’s axing.
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“Josh has been a significant part of our club over the past three seasons. During this time, he has provided many memorable moments for our members and fans. We understand Josh’s popularity with our passionate supporter base, and we share their disappointment that his time with the club has ended this way.
“However, this season has demonstrated the importance of building a culture based on clear standards and values.
“While the NRL integrity unit has completed its investigation and imposed a four-match suspension, the club views the combination of the failed drug test and subsequent lack of transparency as serious breaches of Josh’s contractual obligations and our club’s standards.”
Addo-Carr vehemently denied that he had taken cocaine, but the testing of two samples returned positive readings.
The NRL suspended the premiership-winning winger for four matches and fined him $15,000.
“Supporting our players remains a fundamental priority for our club, with comprehensive welfare programs that go well beyond just football,” the Bulldogs statement said.
“While we will always stand by our players through difficult times, we can only do this effectively when there is complete trust and transparency.
“We wish Josh and his family well for the future. Our welfare team remains available to Josh and his family during this transition.”
Addo-Carr might be recruited by another NRL club but he won’t be able to take the field until round four due to the league’s sanction.