A NSW MP has called on the NRL in state parliament to “stop clutching their pearls” over the emergence of images showing Eels fullback Isaiah Iongi smoking an unknown substance.
The photos of 22-year-old Iongi, which leaked on social media on February 22, show last year’s NRL rookie of the year holding a pre-rolled paper in one hand while using a blue herb grinder with the other.
Other leaked imagery captures Iongi lighting up the rolled up paper in a bathtub and smoking in a dark room.
The pictures caused a stir with the NRL, who issued Iongi a breach notice on Monday for being featured in imagery that “brought the game into disrepute”.
Iongi and the Eels were given 5 business days to respond.
“The Parramatta Eels are aware of the breach notice issued by the NRL to Isaiah Iongi,” the club said in a statement.
“We will work with Isaiah to review the notice and respond accordingly as per the process.”
Iongi has seemingly avoided suspension over the scandal, and has even drawn allies within the NSW legislative council.
Jeremy Buckingham of NSW’s Legalise Cannabis Party, took aim at the NRL, Parramatta Eels and World Anti Doping Agency in an address to the legislative council.
“This house calls on, one, the WADA, NRL and Parramatta Eels to stop clutching their pearls and recognise the benefits of cannabis as a legitimate and therapeutic medicine,” Mr Buckingham said.
“Two, condemn the sanctioning of a dedicated athlete for simply and peacefully blazing a perfectly rolled spliff in the bath in the privacy of his own home.”
The date the pictures of Iongi were taken is unknown.
Iongi will take the field on Saturday when Parramatta clash with the Penrith Panthers at CommBank stadium.
Originally published as ‘Clutching their pearls’: Legalise Cannabis Party MP slams NRL over leaked Isaiah Iongi smoking pictures
