Star Parramatta five-eighth Dylan Brown has accepted the NRL and Club sanctions handed down over recent criminal proceedings.
Last month, Brown pleaded guilty to two counts of sexually touch another person without consent, following an incident which took place at a licenced premises in Double Bay on Saturday, June 3.
The convictions were recorded by the court and he was sentenced to an 18-month community corrections order.
In accordance with the NRL breach notice, Brown was issued a seven-match suspension and a $40,000 fine, of which $20,000 was suspended.
That suspension includes the three matches already served in accordance with the NRL’s No Fault Stand Down and the match that took place on the weekend against the New Zealand Warriors, meaning he will be eligible to return to play in Round 23.
Taking into account the sanctions by the NRL, the Eels have also imposed a $20,000 fine, with proceeds to be provided to a charity agreed between Brown and the Club.
Additionally, the NRL and Club have agreed on a Capability Plan to ensure that Brown learns and grows from this experience.
He has been directed to undertake a comprehensive alcohol management plan, present his learnings to the Club’s Elite Pathways players, seek ongoing professional counselling and support, and participate in re-engagement initiatives with the Club’s stakeholders.
Today, Parramatta Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos said Brown has accepted full responsibility for his behaviour.
“Dylan has displayed genuine remorse for his actions towards the victim, and the impact on his family, his network, the Club and the game. He has a strong awareness of the severity of what has occurred and is extremely disappointed in his actions,” he said.
“The sanctions and initiatives that the NRL and the Club have taken not only reflect the seriousness of what took place but also reflects the importance our Club places on its values, whilst also ensuring that we provide the support to help Dylan become a better person moving forward.”
Brown will be eligible for selection and participation in the NRL Competition in Round 23 on August 6, when the Eels take on the St George Illawarra Dragons at CommBank Stadium.
Formerly with the ABC, Makayla is a graduate of Western Sydney University. She covers a variety of news topics for Parra News.