Richard Agar
Richard Agar has accepted a fine and suspension following an altercation with a journalist in Las Vegas earlier this month. The New Zealand Warriors assistant coach is alleged to have grabbed UK-based journalist John Davidson by the throat during half-time in their NRL season opener at against Canberra Raiders at the Allegiant Stadium.
The coach’s box was located next to the press box in the stadium and that’s where the incident with the journalist occurred.
Agar has since been served a breach notice, with a three-game suspension and a $10,000 fine, of which half is suspended, by the NRL. And, while chief executive Cameron George admits Agar has a ‘different view’ on aspects of the notice, the Englishman has chosen to accept the punishment.
“It’s in the best interests of the club, the players and the game to accept the penalty and move on,” said 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.
“Richard’s very sorry, he’s apologised genuinely about the incident and understands that it was wrong.
“It shouldn’t have happened, quite frankly. When the breach came through, obviously there was a process that we had to follow that concluded late last night.”
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Agar also said in a club statement, per AAP: “I regret what happened and I know it’s not acceptable. I accept the penalty and now want to move forward and learn from this.”
As part of the punishment, Agar will also undergo education and training programmes with the other half of his fine to be paid should he reoffend.
Richard Agar, who has spent time as head coach of Hull FC, Wakefield Trinity, France and Leeds Rhinos, has been a member of the Warriors coaching team since penning a two-year deal with the club to join ahead of the 2023 season. He continues to work under head coach Andrew Webster, the brother of Agar’s former assistant at Leeds, James Webster.
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