Queensland Reds' star acquisition, Karmichael Hunt, was arrested Thursday night and charged with four counts of cocaine supply as part of a CCC investigation. He will be forced to appear in court on March 5.
As for Hunt's future with the Reds, team CEO Jim Carmichael issued a statement on Friday.
"As this matter is due before the courts on March 5 and is part of a wider and ongoing investigation by the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission, the QRU will not be in a position to determine a formal course of action until legal proceedings have concluded, as we will not be prejudicing the player's legal, contractual or natural rights," Carmichael wrote.
"However, it has been determined by QRU, ARU [Australian Rugby Union] and the Rugby Union Players' Association and after discussion with Karmichael that it would be best for his welfare that he is not available for selection this weekend."
Hunt will appear before court with Jason Smith and Matt Seers, both former rugby league players. According to the CCC, both were part of a multimillion-dollar cocaine cartel.
"The CCC will allege that during an investigation focused on a cocaine trafficking syndicate operating in South East Queensland, these four individuals were identified contacting the syndicate and arranging for the supply of cocaine," a CCC statement read (via ESPN).
Hunt appeared in last Friday's 47-3 loss to the Brumbies. He was set for another appearance this Saturday against Western Force, but given the latest developments, that is no longer the case.
After one round, Queensland sits at the bottom of the Super Rugby table.
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