The National Rugby League’s proposed nine-week suspension for Brisbane Broncos star Ezra Mam has ignited widespread criticism, with fans and officials questioning whether the punishment fits the severity of his drug-driving offence that resulted in a three-vehicle crash.
Read: Broncos Star Ezra Mam Reflects on Costly Mistake
The incident and court ruling
In October 2024, Mam crashed his Ford Ranger into oncoming traffic while driving unlicensed with cocaine in his system, causing injuries to three people, including a four-year-old girl. The Brisbane Magistrates Court fined him $850 and disqualified him from driving for six months, with no conviction recorded. The sentence prompted Queensland premier Jarrod Bleijie to label it “a slap on the wrist”, noting that the fine was less severe than penalties for mobile phone use while driving.
Ezra Mam : a history of repeated offenses
Court documents paint a concerning pattern of driving violations dating back to 2021, Courier Mail reveals. At the time of the October crash, Mam was serving his third licence suspension, with previous infractions including speeding, mobile phone use, and running red lights. His traffic history also shows multiple demerit point suspensions and restrictions, raising questions about the adequacy of earlier penalties in deterring dangerous behaviour.
Mam, whose Broncos contract is valued at $4 million, has a record of violations ranging from failing to wear a seatbelt to exceeding speed limits. His most recent suspension in May 2024, issued for mobile phone use while driving, carried a $1,161 fine—ironically higher than his penalty for drug-driving.
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NRL sanctions under scrutiny
The proposed nine-week suspension has drawn particular scrutiny when compared to other recent NRL penalties. Yahoo’s Andrew Reid called the suspension “simply not good enough” and compared it to other sanctions handed out by the NRL. For instance, Spencer Leniu’s eight-week ban for racial vilification against Mam himself during the Las Vegas season opener has sparked debate. Many question why drug-driving, which caused injuries, warrants only one additional week of suspension.
Just brought to my attention…
— 91 03 21 22 23 24 PREMIERS 🐾🏆 (@SnoogThe) December 24, 2024
The @NRL deregistered Junior Amone for the hammer incident
A serious incident indeed and maybe worthy of the punishment
The same @NRL has become an enabler to Ezra Mam’s actions
Two very serious crimes and polar opposite punishments
Social media has been flooded with fans demanding at least a 12-week ban, with some advocating for a season-long suspension given the gravity of the offence and its potential consequences. The timing of the NRL’s announcement, just before Christmas, has also raised eyebrows, with critics suggesting it may be an attempt to minimise public attention.
The Ezra Mam 9-week ban by the NRL is not harsh enough for drug-driving and putting a 4-year-old in hospital with a broken hip while unlicensed. SHOULD HAVE BEEN 12-15 WEEKS MINIMUM.
— BUZZ ROTHFIELD (@BuzzRothfield) December 23, 2024
Mam has five business days to respond to the proposed ban, with a final decision expected in early 2025. Meanwhile, the Broncos have the option to impose additional sanctions, though the club has already prevented him from returning to training this year.
Published 27-December-2024
