SAS Australia 2021‘s Sam Burgess has denied illicit drug use while driving after he allegedly failed a random roadside drug test.
The ex-South Sydney Rabbitohs premiership player was reportedly driving a BMWx5 when police pulled him over in Kingsford, Sydney on December 22.
Police allege that registration checks revealed Sam had a suspended licence.
He also allegedly returned a positive result of cocaine and was escorted to Maroubra Police Station for further testing before being released.
However, the NRL star has since taken to social media to deny he was under the influence.
In a statement shared to his Instagram Story, Sam said he later took a urine sample at an “independent” testing facility.
Stating he was pulled over by “an unmarked police car”, the father of two confirmed the initial roadside test “showed positive for cocaine”.
“After I was released from the police station, I immediately and voluntarily went to an independent, internationally accredited testing facility and undertook a urine test,” he explained.
“The urine sample returned a negative result to all illicit drugs.”
Sam continued: “I deny any suggestion that I have drugs in my system. I have not consumed, obtained, or possessed any illicit drugs.”
Sam Burgess notes ‘positive improvements’ in his life following alleged drug driving
Sam added that he has “made positive improvements” to his life, as well as to his driving since regaining his “full license… “following a 10-month” driving ban.
“I have undertaken road safety courses,” he claimed. “Since then I have not incurred any demerit points or any fines.
“I am clean and sober from drugs, living a happy, healthy, and balanced life.”
Sam has not been charged over the positive drug test result at the time of writing.
“Inquiries are continuing, and police will await the result of a secondary oral fluid analysis,” a NSW Police statement read.
Sam previously racked up 35 driving offences in the time since he moved to Australia from the UK in 2010.
Most recently, the rugby player pleaded guilty to driving with cocaine in his system in an unregistered car in February 2021.
If you are in need of resources to help yourself or someone you know with issues relating to alcohol use, please call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800-250-015 for free and confidential advice.
If you are in need of resources to help yourself or someone you know with issues relating to drug use, please visit Reach Out Australia or the Alcohol and Drug Foundation for help, information and resources.
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