Brisbane Broncos player Ezra Mam is set to face a significant nine-game suspension from the NRL after being issued with a breach notice for bringing the game and his club into disrepute. The 22-year-old, who had a promising start to his career with the Broncos, was recently fined $850 for drug driving and driving without a license after appearing in Brisbane Magistrates Court on December 16. The court also disqualified him from driving for nine months and issued an infringement notice for failing to properly control his vehicle.
The incident in question occurred on October 18, when Mam was involved in a car accident. He was driving his Ford Ranger when he veered into oncoming traffic, resulting in a collision with a vehicle driven by Uber driver Marcel Van Den Camp. The crash left the driver, his female passenger, and her infant daughter injured. Mam was found to have been driving under the influence of a “cocktail of cocaine” and other drugs, which led to the charges.
In court, Magistrate Mark Nolan expressed his disapproval of Mam’s actions, describing his decision to drive unlicensed and under the influence as “stupid.” He also criticized the Broncos player for the reckless behavior that led to the accident, which endangered the lives of others. This court ruling has sparked public outcry, with many feeling that the penalties Mam received were too lenient, given the severity of the incident.
The NRL’s response to the breach is expected to be a nine-game suspension, though the exact details of the sanction cannot be disclosed until Mam has formally responded to the breach notice. The NRL’s decision is based on the fact that Mam’s actions have violated the league’s code of conduct by engaging in unlawful behavior and bringing both the game and his club into disrepute.
This proposed suspension comes as part of the NRL’s efforts to maintain the integrity of the sport and uphold its standards for player conduct. However, the punishment has drawn criticism from some quarters, particularly from Queensland’s Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, who called the fine handed down by the court “disgraceful.” He described the penalty as “a slap on the wrist” and expressed concern that it did not adequately reflect the seriousness of Mam’s actions.
Queensland’s Attorney-General Deb Frecklington also weighed in, suggesting that the government may consider legislative changes to ensure that penalties for drug driving are more severe. She noted that the fine Mam received seemed disproportionately light compared to the penalties for other traffic violations, such as using a mobile phone behind the wheel. Many members of the public share this sentiment, believing that the punishment should have been more stringent given the potential dangers of Mam’s actions.
In the wake of the incident, Mam issued a public apology, expressing remorse for his behavior and acknowledging that his actions did not align with the expectations placed on him as a professional athlete and role model. He apologized to the NRL, the Broncos, his fans, and his family, promising to work on improving himself both on and off the field. Mam’s public acknowledgment of his mistakes highlights his awareness of the gravity of the situation and his commitment to making amends.
The Broncos have already made contingency plans to cover Mam’s absence during the suspension. They secured the services of Ben Hunt on a two-year deal after the former St George Illawarra captain was granted a release from his previous club. Hunt’s arrival will provide valuable depth to the Broncos’ squad, ensuring that they are not left short-handed in the wake of Mam’s suspension.
Mam’s career has been a mixture of highs and lows. He debuted for the Broncos in 2022 and quickly established himself as a key player. His performance in the 2023 grand final, where he scored three tries in a losing effort against Penrith, was a standout moment in his career. However, his form dipped during the following season, and the Broncos ultimately finished in 12th place, failing to live up to expectations.
The proposed suspension is likely to have a significant impact on Mam’s career, as it will keep him out of action for a large portion of the upcoming season. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of personal responsibility and the potential consequences of reckless behavior, both for players and the teams they represent. As Mam works to rebuild his reputation and return to the field, his suspension will undoubtedly be a key chapter in his professional journey.
