- NRL has been investigating the incident since season opener
- CCTV footage was reviewed and parties involved investigated
Warriors assistant coach Richard Agar has been fined $10,000 and suspended for three matches following an altercation with a journalist during the NRL‘s season opener in Las Vegas.
The incident took place at halftime in Allegiant Stadium during the Warriors’ loss to Canberra.
The NRL found Agar had brought the game into disrepute after allegations emerged he grabbed Guardian reporter John Davidson by the throat.
The confrontation reportedly occurred as Agar walked from the coaches’ box towards the lifts leading down to the dressing rooms, five floors below.
According to reports, Agar verbally abused Davidson before grabbing and pushing him.
Although the incident unfolded around the corner from stadium security, another individual witnessed it.
The incident was allegedly sparked by comments made by the reporter when Agar was coach of Leeds Rhinos
The altercation happened at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas where the Warriors faced off against the Canberra Raiders
An investigator from the NRL’s integrity unit conducted extensive interviews, including discussions with Agar and other involved parties, and reviewed CCTV footage.
The findings were submitted to NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo, who issued a breach notice to Agar on Monday.
Agar must also undertake mandatory education and training.
‘The suspension prohibits Agar from performing any duties as assistant coach of the Warriors on the days the matches are scheduled,’ the NRL said in a statement.
‘Agar is prohibited from travelling to any away match scheduled for the Warriors during the suspension period.’
Agar now has five business days to respond formally to the breach notice.
Warriors CEO Cameron George publicly backed Agar following the incident, saying there was more context behind the altercation.
‘Richard and I have had an extensive discussion around the alleged incident. He’s given his version,’ George said. ‘I certainly believe and trust Richard’s version.’
Warriors coach Andrew Webster, pictured with a New Zealand supporter, said the investigation had not been a distraction for his side
Agar himself has remained cautious in public statements, saying there are ‘two sides to every story’ and indicating he will ‘talk when he is allowed to talk.’
Sources within the Warriors suggest the conflict between Agar and Davidson dates back several years.
It reportedly began in 2022 after Davidson published an article critical of Agar’s performance as Leeds Rhinos coach, suggesting he should be dismissed.
Agar, 53, joined the Warriors coaching team as an assistant to head coach Andrew Webster in 2023.
Warriors head coach Andrew Webster insisted the investigation had not distracted the team in the build-up to their recent match against Manly.
Webster described Agar as a highly respected figure within rugby league and affirmed his full support for the assistant coach.
‘Richard is so respected in the game, one of the best assistant coaches in the game,’ Webster said.
‘He’s such a big supporter for me. If anyone knows him, he’s got an unbelievable character.’
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .