Panthers sack Tyrone May over controversial social media post
NRL premiership winners the Penrith Panthers have sacked Tyrone May over a social media post following the grand final.
The 25-year-old posted to social media after the Panthers' grand final victory and made reference to his convictions for recording an intimate image without consent.
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The photo uploaded showed May alongside Panthers coach Ivan Cleary leaving Parramatta Local Court before his conviction.
The image was captioned with lyrics from Canadian rapper Drake which said: "And the dirt that they threw on my name turned to soil and I grew up out it. Time for y'all to figure out what y'all gon' do about it. Love my brothers".
May fronted the Penrith Panthers board on Wednesday, before his contract was terminated.
"As a club we understand our responsibilities to the game, our corporate partners, our members and fans, and the wider rugby league community," Panthers chief executive Brian Fletcher said.
"The board observed due process in this matter and considered all relevant factors before reaching its final decision.
"Panthers will coordinate with the NRL to ensure Tyrone receives access to any support services he needs moving forward."
NRL slap Tyrone May with fine
The NRL also slapped May with a $7,500 fine for the social media post.
May missed the 2019 season when stood down by the NRL as news of the charges emerged.
He was spared jail and handed 300 hours of community service in 2020 before being allowed to return to the Penrith squad.
The decision comes after a number of sanctions within the club after the NRL grand final win.
Halfback Nathan Cleary and outside back Stephen Crichton were also handed fines of $7,000 and $4,000 respectively, for a completely seperate incident, after video emerged of them acting in a "disrespectful manner" towards the premiership trophy.
The NRL grand final trophy was damaged following the incident, which included the figurine of Norm Provan and Arthur Summons having been separated and placed in a stroller in one video.
Following the incident Panthers chief executive Fletcher said Cleary and Crichton didn't intend to show disrespect to Norm Provan or Arthur Summons.
However, while the club has to foot the bill for the trophy repairs, the Panthers apologised for any anger caused.
with AAP
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