Former NRL player Sam Burgess has confessed to a scandalous love affair with The Fronwlow Medal after receiving yet another nomination for the award and demonstrating his devotion to the relationship which began in 2016.
The Frownlow Medal is awarded to the player whose off-field demeanour epitomises the values of the modern-day footballer and draws attention to the status of footballers as role models to young Australians. It covers Australia’s four major football codes; the National Rugby League (NRL), Australian Football League (AFL), the A-League (Football) and Rugby Union’s Super Rugby competition. NRL player Shaun Kenny-Dowall won the inaugural medal in 2015, while NRL star Jarryd Hayne is the most recent recipient.
The Frownlow Medal Hall of Fame honours former players and players who received media attention in previous seasons, for similarly scandalous behaviour, and its inductees include Ben Cousins and Julian O’Neill.
Burgess was recently fined $30,000 and suspended from official duties with the South Sydney rugby league club for 12 weeks, after multiple breaches during his time at the club.
The breaches include allegations of domestic violence, intimidation, prescription drug abuse, and a cover up, of which Burgess was cleared. He was, however, found guilty of illicit drug use, threatening Roosters player Billy Smith, and driving under the influence of drugs between 2018 and 2021.
“I believe in commitment,” stated Burgess after the decision was handed down.
“I am devoted to any relationship and I am always loyal. That’s why I’ve been nominated for either The Frownlow Medal or The Fronwlow Medal Hall of Fame in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and and again in 2022. I love The Frownlow Medal.”
“I believe my record speaks for itself. I can’t think of any other footballer who’s been nominated for Fronwlow honours as many times as I have. That shows the deep and unwavering love I have for this award, and I thank them for standing by me over the years, even in 2017 when I didn’t manage to earn a nomination.”
The England international will return to work with the Rabbitohs immediately, as the suspension has been backdated. However, as he was found not guilty of domestic violence, he is no longer eligible for the highly-coveted Wife Beater Tattoo.
South Sydney have also been fined $20,000 for failing to promptly advise the NRL Integrity Unit of Burgess’ indiscretions.
Burgess also stated in the strongest terms that while he has had failed relationships in the past, he is determined to make his relationship with The Frownlow Medal last forever, and he expects to be nominated for honours for many more years to come.
Image: Getty Images
The Frownlow Medal 