Embattled Wallabies star Karmichael Hunt has been described as ‘inconsolable’ after he was charged with drug possession and indefinitely stood down from playing and training.
The 31-year-old was allegedly caught by police with a white substance believed to be cocaine while in a car-park in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley on Saturday at 12:40am.
He was subsequently charged with two counts of drug possession and is understood to be ‘inconsolable’ following Rugby Australia’s decision to suspend him from all games and training, his high-profile lawyer Adam Magill said.
The 31-year-old (pictured) was allegedly caught by police with a white substance believed to be cocaine while in a car-park in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley on Saturday at 12:40am
Wallabies star Karmichael Hunt (pictured) has been arrested and charged with drug possession
‘He is very upset, as anyone would expect, and pretty much inconsolable,’ Mr Magill told Fairfax Media.
‘He is sticking with his family. He’s got concerns and his manager is taking care of him.’
Hunt was apprehended by police in the early hours of Saturday morning on McLachlan St while allegedly drunk and ‘play fighting’ with a friend.
As they drew closer the former NRL and AFL player allegedly dropped a bag of white powder.
‘He is very upset, as anyone would expect, and pretty much inconsolable,’ Mr Magill said of his client Hunt (pictured)
Hunt (pictured) was apprehended by police in the early hours of Saturday morning on McLachlan St while allegedly drunk and ‘play fighting’ with a friend.
Another man was also charged alongside Hunt with drug-related offences.
Hunt’s illustrious rugby career now hangs in the balance as the Queensland Reds player prepares to face court on January 29.
It is the second time Hunt has been charged with drug-related offences after he was fined $2500 after pleading guilty to four counts of drug possession in March 2015.
It is understood Hunt’s wife Emma Harding has remained with him at the couple’s Queensland home following the arrest.
Rugby Australia confirmed in a statement Hunt has been stood down from all rugby-related activities.
Hunt’s illustrious rugby career now hangs in the balance as the Queensland Reds (pictured) player prepares to face court
Hunt, 31, (pictured) and another man have both been issued with notices to appear in court on January 29
‘Queensland Rugby Union, Rugby Australia and Karmichael Hunt have today agreed that it is in the best interests of all parties that Karmichael is stood down immediately from any team-related Rugby activities, including training and playing commitments,’ the statement reads.
‘The parties are awaiting information from the Queensland Police pertaining to the circumstances of the recent allegations before any next steps or return to Rugby activities will be contemplated.
‘Karmichael Hunt is cooperating fully with the Rugby Australia Integrity Unit and Queensland Rugby Union investigation and, given that this is an ongoing police matter, there will be no further comment from the parties.’