Brisbane Broncos star Ezra Mam has publicly taken responsibility for his actions after being charged in relation to an alleged drug driving incident in October. The 21-year-old five-eighth faces serious legal consequences, including charges for driving with a relevant drug in his system and driving without a license after a head-on crash in Brisbane that injured an Uber driver and a young passenger.
Mam, who checked into rehab following the incident, is set to appear in court in December. He expressed understanding of the gravity of the situation, vowing to cooperate with the legal process and fulfill his responsibilities as a role model in the community. Mam’s rehabilitation is expected to cost him $100,000, with further fines and possible damages.
While the NRL and Broncos are reportedly considering a second chance for Mam, coach Michael Maguire stated it is too early to make decisions regarding his future, emphasizing the need to follow due process. Mam could face a suspension from the NRL, but legal complexities may affect the timing of any action.
Maguire, who has remained in regular contact with Mam during his rehab, acknowledged the severity of the situation but reiterated that the process needs to unfold before any decisions are made. “We’ll take our time. We’ll make sure we get through everything first and find out all the details,” Maguire said. “Once Ezra is back and around the club, we’ll have deeper discussions about his future.”
The Broncos are preparing for a potential two- to three-month suspension from the NRL, which would rule Mam out for the first part of the 2025 season. However, legal experts have raised concerns that the NRL’s ‘no fault stand-down’ policy may not apply in Mam’s case, given that his charges don’t carry a minimum sentence of 11 years, which is required under the policy. Mam could face a lighter sentence, such as a fine or a shorter prison term, depending on the outcome of his court case.
The incident, which involved Mam allegedly failing a roadside drug test following a crash that left a four-year-old girl with a fractured hip, has rocked the Broncos. It has led to widespread discussion about the consequences of off-field behavior for NRL players, especially those in positions of responsibility like Mam.
As the legal proceedings continue, the Broncos and the NRL will likely face additional scrutiny over their handling of the situation and whether Mam will receive a chance to redeem himself. For now, Mam remains focused on his rehabilitation and working through the legal process, while the Broncos await further developments.
