Valentine Holmes has been issued a one-match suspension and a $25,000 fine from the NRL for a social media post that breached the league’s code of conduct.
Holmes was issued a breach notice on September 13 following an Instagram post that featured the North Queensland Cowboys star holding a small white bag in his mouth.
The 28-year-old will be able to serve his suspension in the upcoming Pacific Championships having been selected in the Kangaroos’ squad.
READ MORE: ‘Impossible to deny’: Meninga’s huge call on GF hero
READ MORE: ‘Angry’ Wallabies star set to hang up the boots
READ MORE: ‘Superhuman’ NRL star’s heart-breaking reaction to disaster
In addition to the suspension and the fine, Holmes will also be required to undertake appropriate remediation and attend education and training programs as advised by the NRL.
The NRL’s sanctions follow the Cowboys’ own sanctions, which saw Holmes hit with a $100,000 fine ($50,000 suspended). The $50,000 payable will be inclusive of the $25,000 NRL fine.
“I am deeply sorry for the damaging affect my decisions have had on the club and my family,” Holmes said in a Cowboys statement.
“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.”
Cowboys chairman Lewis Ramsay said Holmes showed “extreme remorse” following the social media controversy.
“Drugs are a larger societal issue and the image posted glorifies a culture our club does not condone,” he said.
“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,” Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel added.
“We will support Valentine as he works to make amends for what was an especially poor choice.”