The Warriors assistant coach who grabbed a journalist by the throat says he regrets his outburst in Las Vegas and wants to move on from the saga.
A club statement on Wednesday said Richard Agar had a “different view” on the contents of the breach notice handed down after the incident, which occurred on game day during the NRL’s second annual trip to the US earlier this month.
But Agar has nevertheless accepted the punishment offered by the NRL last week, meaning he will miss three matches and pay $5000 in fines.
(Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images)
“I regret what happened and I know it’s not acceptable,” Agar said in a club statement.
“I accept the penalty and now want to move forward and learn from this.”
Agar will also undergo education and training programs and pay an additional $5000 in fines if he reoffends.
The Warriors distanced themselves from Agar’s backstage outburst at Allegiant Stadium, where the club faced Canberra in the first match of the NRL season.
Agar is thought to have known the English-based journalist he physically confronted, having previously coached in the European Super League competition.
“It’s in the best interests of the club, the players and the game to accept the penalty and move on,” said Warriors chief executive Cameron George.
“We don’t condone Richard’s actions. While he has a different view on some elements of the breach notice he wants to put the club first and accept the decision.”
George, however, could not confirm if Agar had apologised to UK-based league journalist John Davidson, who writes for Australian outlets.
“It doesn’t really matter whether he does or not,” he said.
“He’s put the club first here and apologised to fans, me, the owner, the players… the lot.
“What he thinks or does with the reporter is irrelevant. We’re handling it as an employer and a club, so I’m not sure if he has reached out to him personally.”
As part of his punishment, Agar cannot travel with the Warriors to Australia for the round-four and round-five clashes against Wests Tigers and Melbourne.
The Warriors have won their past two games since a hefty defeat to the Raiders in Las Vegas and face the Tigers at Campbelltown this Sunday.
The Auckland side will be without Roger Tuivasa-Sheck after the veteran suffered a hamstring injury in last week’s tight win over the Sydney Roosters.
The former Dally M Medallist is expected back in round 11, with Adam Pompey shifting to the wing in his absence.
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