Gold Coast Titans Cocaine Scandal

That's disapointing I always thought ash Harrison was perfect. Definitely a bronco link no doubt.

- - - Updated - - -

I really do doubt this is limited to the Titans. Majority of players know each other well and hang out etc.

At the very least it is known by other players.
 
This crisis just keeps getting bigger, More players being charged and well known rep players at that

By all accounts it's nowhere near being over and as you guys have said the Broncos seem to be linked so this saga will continue
 
Gold Coast Titans star Greg Bird accused of supplying cocaine at buck’s party


  • JEREMY PIERCE EXCLUSIVE
  • THE COURIER-MAIL
  • MARCH 04, 2015 11:00PM

GOLD Coast Titans star Greg Bird allegedly supplied cocaine at his own buck’s party and the day after his wedding.

Queensland Reds vice-captain Karmichael Hunt and Titans players Beau Falloon and Jamie Dowling will face Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday after being the first footballers charged over the cocaine crisis that sent shock waves through Queensland sport.

Bird is one of five other current and former Titans due in court next week, but new details of his charges have come to light.

The NSW Origin star and former Titans co-captain has denied the allegations and plans to prove his innocence in court.

According to court documents, Bird’s two counts of supplying cocaine stem from dates in November and December last year, the same time as his buck’s party and the day after his wedding.

The second allegation refers to the same night Bird was caught urinating in public in Byron Bay, an indiscretion that later cost him the co-captaincy.

Bird’s buck’s party, held in Byron a few weeks earlier, was attended by several NRL players, including one-time Titans teammate Joe Vickery, who faces seven counts of supplying cocaine.

None of Vickery’s charges relate to the time of Bird’s buck’s party.Gold Coast lawyer Campbell MacCallum said Bird would defend all allegations.

“I have been provided with a short summary of the allegations and I have been through it with Greg,” he said.

“He continues to deny the charges and will defend them in court.”

Seven former and current Titans have been caught up in the scandal following a year-long Crime and Corruption Commission investigation into a multimillion-dollar cocaine cartel operating in southeast Queensland.

The CCC alleges the players sourced cocaine from the syndicate and later supplied the drug to friends and colleagues.

Alleged key players in the cartel, including former footballers John Touma, Jason Smith and Matt Seers, have been charged with trafficking.

Bird, Falloon, Dowling, Dave Taylor and Kalifa Faifai Loa have been stood down by the Titans and that will not change until at least after the club’s season-opening NRL clash with Wests Tigers on Saturday night.

Titans CEO Graham Annesley said the club was waiting to learn more about the case before making a decision on whether to reinstate the players.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...e-at-bucks-party/story-fnp0lyn3-1227248437823
 
Sports star Karmichael Hunt pleads guilty to four charges of possessing cocaine


  • JEREMY PIERCE
  • THE COURIER-MAIL
  • MARCH 05, 2015 2:40PM

UPDATE: QUEENSLAND Reds star Karmichael Hunt has been fined $2500 after pleading guilty to cocaine charges.

The court was told of a number of character references, including from NRL master coach Wayne Bennett.

No conviction was recorded.

Hunt has pleaded guilty to four counts of the lesser charges of possessing cocaine, after he was originally charged with supplying the drug.Outside court, Hunt said:

“Obviously I’m relieved with the outcome today.

It has been a difficult couple of weeks for myself and my family.

“I’m looking forward to putting his part of the process behind us and moving on

“We’ll have a press conference tomorrow so I’ll answer questions then.”

Police allege Hunt arranged to pick up drugs with suspected drug trafficking kingpin and former professional rugby league player John Touma on four occasions from September 1 to October 3.

On two occasions Hunt bought 3.5g of cocaine from Touma with alleged syndicate member and former North Sydney and Wests Tigers player Matt Seers acting as a middle man for the third and fourth deals.

Police prosecutor Kirsty Johnson told the court the deals had occurred at a pizza store in Mermaid Beach and the Crowne Plaza hotel in Surfers Paradise.

Hunt’s lawyer, Alastair McDougall, said the facts alleged by police were not in dispute and his client had made “poor choices”.

“He’ll be paying for those choices for the rest of his life,” Mr McDougall said.

“His ...young daughters will grow up knowing that their father has broken the law.

“He has suffered significant economic loss....it’s an enormous economic loss.

“This has been a massive, massive wake-up call to him.”

He said Hunt, who had no previous criminal convictions, had cooperated fully with the investigation.

“He (Hunt) told me ‘it’s very easy to deal with the issue when you tell yourself the truth.”

It’s alleged Hunt purchased a total of 12.5 grams of cocaine in total across the four occasions.

Magistrate Catherine Pirie closed the court to the public while she considered sentencing options.

Gold Coast Titans players Beau Falloon and Jamie Dowling also appeared. Their cases were adjourned until May 8.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ne...ssessing-cocaine/story-fnii5v71-1227248813552
 
Titans players accused of text messages with hidden drug deal references


  • JEREMY PIERCE, CHRIS GARRY
  • THE COURIER-MAIL
  • MARCH 11, 2015 1:00AM

A CASUAL invitation to a game of pool at a suburban pub is at the centre of allegations a Gold Coast Titans player was involved in supplying cocaine.

With the five Titans involved in the cocaine scandal still yet to be returned to the club’s active roster,The Courier-Mail can reveal a key plank in the Crime and Corruption Commission case against Kalifa Faifai Loa relates to a casual mention of a Gold Coast tavern.

Text messages with alleged code words and hidden meanings are central to allegations against several of the eight past and present Titans facing charges of supplying cocaine.

Their lawyers labelled the allegations weak and want the charges thrown out and the players reinstated immediately.

Faifai Loa, a former New Zealand and Samoan Test player, faces one count of supplying cocaine after the CCC allegedly intercepted text messages about Treetops Plaza at West Burleigh.

He allegedly sent a message saying “Meet me at the Treetops Plaza in Burleigh”.

It will be alleged other messages related to meeting at the shopping centre’s tavern to play pool – which the CCC will allege was code for a drug deal.

As well as being a part of pool games, an “eight ball” is also street slang for a quantity of cocaine weighing about 3.5g and worth over $1000.

Faifai Loa’s lawyer Campbell Maccallum said the allegations were “wildly speculative”.

Allegations against reigning Titans player of the year Beau Falloon include references to a text message saying “Our season starts now”, while other players allegedly sent messages to accused cartel kingpin John Touma featuring references to various varieties of wine.

Touma, whose drug trafficking case returns to Southport Magistrates Court today, once ran a wine distribution business.

Meanwhile, the Titans team announced on Tuesday for this weekend’s NRL round featured none of the players facing charges.

The Titans board has already been briefed of the case against the players and hopes to make a decision on their immediate playing future within days.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-deal-references/story-fni3grk4-1227257549227
 
Gold Coast Titans to review legal documents as club keep five players suspended


  • TODD BALYM
  • THE COURIER-MAIL
  • MARCH 11, 2015 4:51PM

TITANS chief executive Graham Annesley has hired prominent Sydney SC Tony Bannon to review legal documents as the Gold Coast keep their five players on drugs charges under suspension.

The Titans board are refusing to buckle to external pressure from the RLPA to immediately reinstate the players on cocaine charges and have undertaken a thorough examination of all details regarding their criminal allegations.

Annesley has hired Tony Bannon to review the documents given to the club by their lawyers to help the board make an informed decision about their ability to be reinstated to full duties until the court matter is settled.

In a statement on Wednesday the club said they had received information about the allegations against three of the five players facing charges arising out of the Crime and Corruption Commission investigation.

“The board has today decided to seek independent legal advice as to the potential steps open to the club,” the statement read.

“This advice will be obtained from prominent Sydney silk, Tony Bannon, SC, who will examine the information provided to the board.

“It is expected this process will take a few days to complete and the board will then, after receiving that advice, make its decision as to the immediate playing futures of the three players.

“The players will continue to be stood down until the advice has been received and considered by the board.

“The board will also seek further legal advice from Mr Bannon, SC, in relation to the two remaining players once they have provided the requested information as to specific details of the charges they face.

“Until then these two players will also continue to remain stood down.

“The board remains conscious of the need to balance the protection of the best interests of the club and the game, with the need to ensure its decisions do not prejudice the fair trial of the charged players.”


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...layers-suspended/story-fni3grk4-1227258821147
 
Gold Coast Titans’ accused cocaine users must state their case to return


  • TODD BALYM, CHRIS GARRY, PETER BADEL
  • THE COURIER-MAIL
  • MARCH 16, 2015 12:00AM

GOLD Coast’s cocaine five could be ordered to front the Titans board to personally state why they deserve to immediately return to the NRL as the three-week stalemate moves closer to a resolution.

Titans chief executive Graham Annesley is hopeful for a swift resolution to a saga that has raged since February 20 over the playing futures of their five players on cocaine charges, but has not ruled out demanding they individually front the board this week.

Lawyer for four of the five accused players, Campbell MacCallum, told The Courier-Mail the players were quietly confident of being reinstated this week and were thankful club-appointed Sydney lawyer Tony Bannon SC would help decide their immediate playing futures.

Bannon is due to provide recommendations as early as Monday, at which point Annesley will convene with the Titans board to discuss potential reinstatement to club duties.

“The board have to determine exactly where they go next with it and if they perhaps have to meet with the players or not based on the advice,” Annesley said on Sunday night.

“The reason we are seeking advice is to get an expert’s opinion and we just don’t know what it will include.

“As soon as I get the advice I will touch base with the board and determine how they want to proceed from there.”

The Titans return to training on Tuesday in preparation for Sunday’s home clash with Newcastle and skipper Nate Myles said he was desperate to get the players, including rep stars Greg Bird and Dave Taylor, back among the team as soon as possible.

“As friends I would love to see them back and doing what they love.

“That would be the best thing for them,” Myles said.

“It is our employment, that’s what these guys do for living and I’m hoping it’s sooner than later that they are allowed to do what they do for a living.

“It’s a different feeling (playing without them). It’s hard to describe it to someone outside the club.

“There is a lot of stuff out of our control and a lot of stuff I shouldn’t comment on, but what I can say is we have a group more than capable of winning games.”

MacCallum said the suspended players had made special mention of the ongoing support by coach Neil Henry, who has repeatedly stated he wanted the players back at the club.

“They will make a decision on Monday hopefully,” MacCallum said.

“The players and myself are actually happy the board have engaged an independent lawyer to act on the material.

“Now the players know their cases are being taken seriously and it will be decided by a senior lawyer.

“They feel more confident now the board is engaging outside help to consult on the decision.

“There must be a presumption of innocence.”


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...r-case-to-return/story-fni3fbgz-1227263783823
 
Titans’ Greg Bird says he is determined to clear his name of the cocaine charges against him


  • TODD BALYM
  • THE COURIER-MAIL
  • MARCH 31, 2015 8:20PM

GREG Bird has vowed to play like a captain for the Gold Coast Titans and clear his name of the cocaine charges that cast an enormous shadow over his career.

Bird finally broke his silence over the drugs scandal that gripped the Titans on February 20, when he and four current teammates were issued with charges by the Crime and Corruption Commission.

The Test second rower was banned from playing the opening two rounds of the NRL season by the Titans and after being stripped of the captaincy for a public urination incident following his wedding last year, the 31-year-old’s future at the club appeared on thin ground.

But in a series of interviews with selected media outlets, Bird claimed the truth would come out in the long run and said he would keep playing like a leader for the Titans, despite his bitterness and disappointment at being stripped of the honour.

“Losing the captaincy last year was really disappointing for me,” Bird told the Nine Network.

“The captaincy is the least of my worries (now), I will play like a captain whether I’ve got the C there next to my name or not.

“Yeah it’s been hard, just I guess people not knowing.

“I think people assuming and people making their own judgments with a lack of knowledge it is disappointing.

“I know what I’ve done and I’m confident with what is going to happen down the line.”

Bird was one of the Titans’ best players in their win over Cronulla last week and described his return to playing as a “relief” and “happiness”.

He publicly apologised to his wife Becky.

Their wedding became a media focus when a brief of evidence revealed some allegations against Bird were linked to the date of their nuptials.

“It affects everyone, it affects friends, family, it affects my wife who I am massively sorry has to go through this,” he said.

As The Courier-Mail revealed on Tuesday, there won’t be any fallout for Bird’s Test chances with the incumbent star being strongly considered for Kangaroos selection for the May 1 clash with New Zealand.

Bird is due back in Southport Magistrates Court a week after the Test match, on May 8, but it is likely his case along with the four other current Titans players could drag on for some months.

Titans coach Neil Henry, who was a strong advocate of the players resuming full duties, slammed any suggestions that Bird should be considered ineligible for representative honours while he is going through criminal proceedings for cocaine charges.

“I think that if he is back playing in the NRL he should be eligible for rep footy,” Henry said.

“It would be a bit ludicrous to say you can play NRL but then you can’t represent your country or your state.”

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...rges-against-him/story-fni3grk4-1227286791933
 
Accused Titans have drug case adjourned again

By Staff Writers

May 8, 2015

THE Gold Coast Titans players facing cocaine charges have had their court cases adjourned for a second time.

The legal team of Greg Bird, Dave Taylor, Jamie Dowling, Faifai Loa, Ashley Harrison, Joe Vickery Beau Falloon and his girlfriend Elise Abood formally requested more time to bolster their defence which the court granted.

The new court date is now July 6.

Unlike Queensland Reds player Karmichael Hunt, who pleaded guilty to cocaine possession in exchange for the prosecution dropping supply charges, the current and ex Titans players have decided to plead not guilty to carious charges of possession and supply.

In Southport Magistrate’s Court on Friday morning the Titans legal team argued the Queensland Crime and Corruption Committee “is dragging its heels by not yet providing a brief of their evidence”.

The five current Titans players were initially stood down by the club after the CCC charges were issued back in February but were reinstated before the club’s round three clash with the Knights.


http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/accused-titans-drug-case-adjourned/
 
Queensland Reds star Karmichael Hunt binged on drugs and alcohol for days at a time: report

June 28, 2015 - 12:42AM

Cross-code football star Karmichael Hunt reportedly told police he binged on drugs and alcohol for days at a time and would sometimes turn up to official team functions high.

On one occasion, he met his dealer outside a pizza shop to score cocaine for himself and his club mates.

News Limited report 28-year-old Hunt also made explosive allegations to Queensland law enforcement officers about other high profile rugby union and rugby league players before appearing in court on the Gold Coast in March, when he pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine.

The paper says the information was provided in return for Hunt getting a lighter sentence, which in turn helped salvage his new $2 million contract with Super Rugby's Queensland Reds.

It also alleges Hunt identified to police a previously unnamed Australia and State of Origin rugby league player as having put him in contact with a Gold Coast drug dealer.

"I believe that I would have got (the dealers) number from (the player)," the paper quotes Hunt as telling investigators.

"While I have never partied with (the player) or seen him using drugs, I was aware that he partied every so often and dabbled with cocaine."

Hunt told police he blamed the stress of switching clubs and football codes for going off the rails.


http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/r...or-days-at-a-time-report-20150627-ghzjie.html
 
What a cop out!

Hunt told police he blamed the stress of switching clubs and football codes for going off the rails.

I would love to have the stress of changing jobs for multi million dollar deals!
I'm already dirty that he got off so lightly when others are crucified, then goes straight back to the cream deals again, it's a joke to Australian sport. To go complain of the stresses of being more financially secure then most people can ever dream of just makes him a piece of sh*t in my eyes.
 
Karmichael Hunt's drug claims to be investigated by NRL integrity commission

June 28, 2015 - 6:11PM

Allegations that a Test and State of Origin star was the connection between Karmichael Hunt and a drug dealer he used to source cocaine for himself and Gold Coast Suns teammates will be investigated by the NRL's integrity unit.

Hunt reportedly made the explosive allegations in a statement to Queensland police after being charged with possession of cocaine earlier this year.

The 28-year-old cross-code star, who was recently named in a Wallabies train-on squad for the end of season Rugby World Cup, also told police of drug-use by other high-profile NRL and AFL players before appearing in court on the Gold Coast in March, when he pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine.

A number of current and former Gold Coast Titans players are contesting drugs charges arising from the same police operation.

However, the name of the Kangaroos and Origin star who put him in contact with the dealer had not previously been mentioned.

"I believe that I would have got [the dealers] number from [the player]," the paper quotes Hunt as telling investigators.

"While I have never partied with [the player] or seen him using drugs, I was aware that he partied every so often and dabbled with cocaine."

An NRL spokesman confirmed the allegations would be investigated.

"The integrity unit will consider any information that may be evidence of wrongdoing by a player," the spokesman said.

Hunt told police he blamed the stress of switching clubs and football codes for going off the rails.


http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...nrl-integrity-commission-20150628-ghzxhx.html
 
Cocaine possession charges against Titans hooker Beau Falloon have been dropped


An hour ago
Jamie McKinnell
AAP


origin:video_integrator.5yaG8yeDodSRnGTsgRsPg5d-OpfYErj7

GOLD Coast Titans player Beau Falloon will not face trial over the NRL’s drug scandal because of insufficient admissible evidence.

Falloon, 28, was one of four Titans facing cocaine possession charges in the Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday, accused of using coded text messages and conversations to arrange drug deals with accused ringleader and former Sydney player John Touma and other third parties.

“It really gets down to whether or not, in my view, these third party conversations would be admissible against the defendant,” Magistrate Christopher Callaghan said.

The court had previously heard accusations Falloon and fellow Titan Jamie Dowling used coded language to communicate drug deals with Touma, including phrases to do with beer, the size of beds, “firing up”, footy boots and “half a ball” — allegedly a reference to an eight ball of cocaine.

Prosecutor Michael Copley submitted a large volume of intercepted phone calls and text messages to support the charges but admitted the case against Falloon was “largely circumstantial”.

He pointed to four ATM transactions, worth a total of $950, that Falloon made across the same day he was in contact with Touma as further support for the inference of drug procurement.

Falloon had also spoken of sneaking out of a team gathering to meet Touma.But lawyer Saul Holt QC, for Falloon, slammed the “level of desperation” in the prosecution’s case and said the threshold of evidence required to show Falloon was procuring drugs had not been reached.

“It’s an extraordinarily thin basis for a count of supply of cocaine,” he said.

The communication coincided with the end of the season when players were keen to let their hair down, Mr Holt said.

Magistrate Christopher Callaghan questioned Mr Copley’s assertion that Falloon had pretended to be another person to discuss plans to “catch up for a beer” — also allegedly code for a drug deal.

“It’s inference upon inference upon inference, to the 15th degree,” Magistrate Callaghan said.

He later ruled the conversations with third parties would not be admissible in proceedings against Touma.

Without these, there was insufficient evidence to support each of the four counts of drug possession with which the 28-year-old had been charged.

Falloon made no comment has he left court.

Fellow Titans Greg Bird and Kalifa Faifai Loa were also in court on Wednesday, facing charges of supplying dangerous drugs.

Bird’s lawyer Jeff Hunter has made an application that, like Falloon, his client has no case to answer.

Further decisions are expected to be handed down on Thursday.


http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...ave-been-dropped/story-fniabrr8-1227560937926
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top