Bulgarelli sacking 'could end in court'
12:29 AEDT Sat Nov 13 2004
The sacking of Canberra centre Jason Bulgarelli could end up in the courts, his manager says.
Bulgarelli had his contract terminated by the NRL club with a year left to run, while the Australian Federal Police confirmed it was investigating a matter referred to it by the Raiders.
It is understood the 28-year-old Bulgarelli was cut by Canberra after he was linked to a package containing ecstasy that was sent to the club.
His manager David Riolo said Bulgarelli maintained his innocence.
"He's adamant he hasn't breached the club's code of conduct," Riolo told ABC radio.
"I'll be writing to the NRL and the club on Monday and meeting with the Rugby League Players Association and Jason's legal representatives, and then we'll take it from there.
"I spoke to him this morning and a couple of times yesterday and he's very concerned - he's got two young boys, one of them at school, and a wife to support.
"And when he's received a letter saying `you're terminated, effective immediately' that means that the wages stop, which is very difficult for a man in his mid to late 20s trying to support his family."
He said if Bulgarelli's contract was reinstated, there wouldn't be a legal issue, although if his character had been defamed along the way it would be a separate matter.
Raiders chief executive Simon Hawkins said he was disappointed by what had occurred.
Bulgarelli, a former Illawarra junior representative, came to the Raiders in 2003 from Easts Tigers in Queensland Cup competition.
He was a surprise packet of the 2003 premiership and was named the Raiders' rookie of the year at age 27.
He notched up 17 games for the Raiders this season.
It's not the first time the Raiders club has been linked to a player drug scandal.
In 1999, Raiders centre Brandon Pearson admitted to taking ecstasy during a 12-hour drinking binge with teammate Ben Kennedy.
Pearson admitted taking the designer drug ecstasy on the night in question, while Kennedy said someone pushed a tablet into his mouth but he spat it out.
Both players were fined $10,000.
Raiders teammate Mark McLinden, who this week announced he had quit the raiders to join England club London Broncos, said the Canberra players were surprised by the sacking.
"The reason why I'm surprised is I because know Jason pretty well," McLinden told ABC radio.
"He's a family man and he loves his footy - he's a strong character and he's a good guy."
©AAP 2004
