Corey Norman is the victim of an alleged extortion attempt that has become a police investigation
Matt Logue and Paul Crawley, The Daily Telegraph
August 5, 2016 6:40pm
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SUSPENDED Parramatta star Corey Norman is the victim of an alleged extortion attempt that has become a police investigation.
The Saturday Telegraph has learned that Norman’s manager contacted the NRL’s integrity unit this week to report an attempt to extract money from the star Eels playmaker in exchange for a tape. Police have started investigating the alleged extortionist and it is understood they have tracked down the person involved.
It is believed the NRL is keen for the police to proceed with the case to send a message that anyone attempting to blackmail players could face prosecution. Norman was suspended last month by the NRL for eight weeks and fined $20,000 for his role in a range of off-field activities.
Suspended Parramatta star Corey Norman.
Norman not only pleaded guilty to the possession of prohibited drugs, he was also involved in a sex-tape scandal and warned by police for associating with known criminals. It is understood Norman has insisted he is not involved in any new incidents.
There is no evidence to suggest there is another sex tape.
However, the alleged extortionist may be in possession of a series of lewd photographs from the original sex tape.
The matter is still before the police and it’s believed no charges have been laid.
A spokesman for the NRL declined to comment, saying the matter was before the police.
Unfortunately for rugby league, Norman’s alleged incident isn’t the first time the game has dealt with extortion this season.
It has been previously reported that an unnamed Brisbane Broncos player this season was also the victim of an extortion attempt.
Sydney Roosters halfback Mitchell Pearce was involved in a well-publicised Australia Day video that was sold to media.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson says the NRL needs to do more to protect players.
These incidents prompted Roosters coach Trent Robinson to accuse the NRL and Players Association of not doing enough to protect players from abuses of their privacy.
“The NRL needs to step in and they need to make it public that you are not allowed to sell these on and we will go after individuals that do this,” Robinson said last month.
Robinson will be pleased with the NRL’s tough stance surrounding this latest extortion attempt involving Norman.
NRL head of integrity Nick Weeks also addressed the issue of extortion in a statement last month.
“While it is a regrettable trend in society for people to look to sell footage of sports stars in their private lives, there is an easy solution for our players,” Weeks said.
“Do not engage in activity which will damage their reputation or that of the game.”
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