Bulldogs prop Ryan Tandy has been stood down by the club until further notice after he was arrested and charged by police following his involvement in a betting probe.
Tandy was arrested by police on Wednesday for giving false information to detectives but was later released on conditional bail and is due to appear in court on March 2.
Tandy was one of several players investigated following suspicious betting activity surrounding the Round 24 clash between Canterbury and North Queensland.
The Cowboys were heavily backed to score first from a penalty goal the amount of money on such an unusual betting option immediately arousing suspicion among bookmakers.
Tandy dropped the ball and then gave away a penalty in front of the posts at the start of that match, although the Cowboys opted for a quick tap and scored a try from the resulting play.
The Bulldogs board and disciplinary committee met on Thursday and decided to excuse Tandy from all club duties, including his playing and training obligations.
"It has been determined that it would be in the best interests of the club and Mr. Tandy that he should be excused from his obligations until further notice," a Bulldogs statement read.
"The club makes no comment about the charges laid against Mr. Tandy or their merits. These are matters before the court and Mr. Tandy is entitled to answer those charges in due course. The club has informed Mr. Tandy that it reserves its rights concerning his contract as the situation develops and more information becomes known."
"The meeting of the board and its disciplinary committee was held over from yesterday as the clubs focus was on the safety and wellbeing of those Bulldogs staff and their families stranded in far north Queensland as a result of tropical cyclone Yasi."
"The club has also informed Mr. Tandy that it will consider any request for access to support services by him which is deemed necessary over the period he is excused from his duties."
"As these are matters before the Court, the Club will be making no further comment at this time."
http://www.sportal.com.au/league-news-display/tandy-stood-down-110441
