The North Queensland Cowboys today issued sanctions to Valentine Holmes stemming from a photo uploaded to social media earlier in September.
Holmes was issued fines totalling $100,000, $50,000 of which is suspended with the $50,000 payable now inclusive of the $25,000 fine issued by the NRL.
“Valentine was asked to appear before the board to explain his actions and also to hear the effect his actions had on the club and stakeholders,” Cowboys Chairman Lewis Ramsay said.
“Drugs are a larger societal issue and the image posted glorifies a culture our club does not condone.
“Valentine showed extreme remorse in our meeting and as a Club we have accepted his apology.
“That said, the board imposed further penalty on top of the sanctions already issued by the NRL as a reminder to Val of his responsibilities to himself, his family, the club and our fans.”
Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel said the club would work with Holmes as he seeks to restore his standing within the club and the community.
“Valentine’s standing in the game means he holds an important position as a role model both inside our club and in the wider community and he understands he has let people down,” Reibel said.
“We will support Valentine as he works to make amends for what was an especially poor choice.”
Holmes apologised for his actions.
“I am deeply sorry for the damaging affect my decisions have had on the club and my family,” he said.
“My actions, while not illegal, were immature and irresponsible.
“I am determined to restore the confidence and trust of the club as well as our stakeholders, members and fans.”
