The multi-sport star was accused of the more serious charge of supply two weeks ago
The Karmichael Hunt cocaine case has ended about as well as it could for the Queensland Reds player. Two weeks ago, it was reported that he faced some very serious charges, including four counts of supplying cocaine, after he was caught up in a sting operation by Australian authorities.
Today was his court date and after pleading guilty to the lesser charge of four counts of possession, Hunt was able to walk away from court a free man.
Hunt, who made his name in rugby league before switching to try AFL for a few years, had only just moved to rugby union and the cocaine charges arose just days after his debut for the Reds.
In court police produced evidence from mobile phones of Hunt trying to buy a total of 12.5g of cocaine from former rugby league player John Touma in September and October of last year. The court was told by Barrister Alastair McDougall that his client’s actions were the result of a “misguided post-season celebration which went on for approximately a month”.
Hunt had just finished his season with AFL team Gold Coast Suns and had yet to sign for the Reds at the time of the calls.
If charged with supply, Hunt faced a hefty fine and a potential four-year ban from all sport by WADA but the lesser charge of possession meant he only received a fine of AUS$2,500 (€1,769 ) from the courts and no conviction will be recorded.
However, Hunt has been fined AUS$30,000 (€21,232) by the Australian rugby authorities and he has also been banned for six weeks. Hunt will be back for Round 8 of the Super Rugby competition and he must also attend a drug rehab programme.
Speaking afterwards, Hunt said: “I made a terrible mistake last year and have no one but myself to blame for this situation. I am genuinely sorry for the distress I have caused my family, friends, teammates, Reds members, sponsors, fans and the wider rugby and sporting community in Queensland and beyond.
“I intend to work through the education and rehabilitation program and will return to the game in a way that sends a clear message to sports fans of all ages that the use of illicit substances has no place in sport. I am grateful for the support I have received from Queensland Rugby over the past few weeks and intend to repay their loyalty through my future actions on and off the field.”
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