Brimson set to escape sanction for betting post
AJ Brimson is set to be cleared of any wrongdoing over his Melbourne Cup Day social media post, with the NRL convinced a previous bet on rugby league came from his mother’s account.
The Gold Coast star became embroiled in controversy on Tuesday when he posted a screenshot of a $10,100 win after a bet backing Knight’s Choice in the Melbourne Cup.
The image also appeared to show a previous bet on a rugby league game, which had attempted to be scribbled out.
Brimson was almost immediately referred to the NRL integrity unit by the Titans, given NRL players are forbidden from betting on rugby league games.
But the star back had remained adamant the bets were in fact placed by his mother, and the screenshot passed onto him before he posted it.
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AAP has been told by multiple sources the NRL has reviewed data that appears to back up Brimson’s claims, and the 26-year-old is expected to escape any sanction.
“I rang (the NRL) yesterday afternoon and spoke to them and they were satisfied with my explanation,” Brimson’s manager Jim Banaghan told AAP on Wednesday.
“It is all over, Red Rover.
“I told everyone there was nothing in it and it all married up.
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“AJ is straight down the line, honest and a really nice kid. He just thought he’d have a bit of fun and it all turned to custard.”
The veteran player-manager said he had seen it all in his three decades of management and could see a humorous side to the saga.
“We will all have a laugh next year and I will have Brimson’s tips out the day before the Cup,” he grinned.
Brimson had claimed he put up the screenshot of his mother’s win as a prank when he claimed it to be his own, and was unaware of the previous bet still showing.
It’s expected the former Queensland State of Origin representative will receive a gentle reminder about taking care in future social media use.
The NRL has previously taken action against players for betting on NRL games.
The most recent was in 2017 involving former Wests Tigers outside back Tim Simona, who was deregistered for placing bets on opposition players in matches he was playing.
