The Melbourne Storm have confirmed three players — Cameron Munster, Brandon Smith and Chris Lewis — have been interviewed by the NRL Integrity Unit about videos of a post-season party.
Key points:The Storm says the three players “fully cooperated” with the NRL’s investigationThe club does not expect the NRL’s investigation to be concluded this weekMunster and Smith played in the Storm’s 10-6 to the Panthers in their preliminary final
The players met with NRL officials on Tuesday.
The videos, circulated on social media, appeared to show Storm players in a hotel room with a white substance on the surface of a table.
In the videos, one player is sitting at the table, while another stands shirtless behind him.
A second video shows the shirtless player dancing on a table in what appears to be the same hotel room.
There are other unidentified people in the room in both videos.
Storm chief executive Justin Rodski said the three players had cooperated with the NRL’s investigation.
“The club is taking this matter extremely seriously. We are very disappointed to be in this position and will be thorough in our response,” Rodski said in a club statement.
“The players involved have fully cooperated with the NRL and the NRL Integrity Unit investigation. It is our understanding this investigation is unlikely to be concluded this week.
“Melbourne Storm unashamedly sets high standards and makes no apologies for protecting and upholding the professionalism and values of our organisation.
“The club is conducting its own investigation into the matter and will provide an update on our findings in conjunction with the NRL when both processes have concluded.”
Munster and Smith were involved in the Storm’s preliminary final in Brisbane last Saturday.
The minor premiers lost 10-6 to Penrith at Lang Park, ending their season one match short of the grand final.
Lewis last played for the Storm in the final round of the regular season earlier this month.
Source:: ABC News
