Manly star questioned over sex assault claims.

[Beaussie]

Very serious allegations here and potentially very damaging to the NRL brand and this seasons advertising campaign for the NRL as Brett Stewart is the face of the NRL's recently launched advertising campaign for 2009.

NRL star quizzed over sex assault claims
Exclusive by Phil Rothfield

March 07, 2009 12:00am

MANLY'S champion fullback Brett Stewart is under investigation for an alleged sexual assault on Friday night after the club's 2009 season launch.

The Sunday Telegraph understands Manly police have issued an interim AVO against the Sea Eagles superstar, who is the face of the NRL’s multi-million dollar advertising campaign this year.

Stewart was interviewed by Manly police until 4am this morning before being allowed to leave with his manager George Mimis.

He cannot return to his home in Manly because it is only two houses away from the alleged victim.

The Sunday Telegraph understand Stewart left Manly police station and spent the night at his girlfriend’s home.

The Sea Eagles have hired top Sydney lawyer Geoff Bellew to handle the case and say Stewart will vigorously defend the allegations .

Senior NRL officials have told The Sunday Telegraph and decision will be made on Monday whether to scrap the season’s advertising campaign because of the seriousness of the allegations.

The club's Chief Executive Officer Grant Mayer later issued a statement stating that on the basis of legal advice which has been received, neither the Club nor Brett will be making any further comment pending the conclusion of that investigation.

It read: "On the evening of Friday 6 March 2009, Brett Stewart of the Manly Sea Eagles was spoken to by Dee Why Police in relation to an allegation of sexual assault of a 17 year old girl.

"Having been spoken to by Police, he was released without charge.

"The allegation is denied. However, the Club acknowledges that the investigation is ongoing and in these circumstances, and on the basis of legal advice which has been received, neither the Club nor Brett will be making any further comment pending the conclusion of that investigation."

Another incident from the season launch in which second-rower Anthony Watmough punched a sponsor has been settled after a meeting this morning between the parties involved.

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/s ... 21,00.html

[yeenar69]

It should not be just the campaign the NRL are worried about and the players continue to put the game into disrepute but sadly the NRL are inconsistant with the their measures that they take .... this concerns me