NRL slap Norman with heavy suspension

Parramatta Eels five-eighth Corey Norman has been banned for the rest of the 2016 NRL season for drug possession and criminal associations.

The eight-game suspension will run from Round 19, when Norman was stood down, through to the end of Round 26 and he has also been fined $20,000.

NRL Head of Integrity Nick Weeks said the penalty relates to the following matters involving Norman:

• His conviction for drug possession at The Star casino
• A police warning for consorting with known criminals at the casino
• Filming incidents involving apparent drug use and sexual activity
• Distributing video of those incidents to other NRL players

Weeks said the Integrity Unit had interviewed Norman this week and had decided, with the support of the Parramatta club, to impose the penalties described above.

“The message is clear… players cannot put themselves in a position where they may damage their own reputations and that of the game,” he said.

“We have been consistent this year in imposing strong penalties where players bring the game into disrepute through actions off the field.

“Whether it is drug possession, criminal associations or social media use, players understand the consequences that can flow from illegal or other unacceptable conduct.

“While it is a regrettable trend in society for people to look to sell footage of sports stars in their private lives there is an easy solution for our players – do not engage in activity which will damage their reputation or that of the game.”