‘Not acceptable': Warriors coach Richard Agar regrets alleged press box altercation
The New Zealand Warriors' assistant coach Richard Agar has accepted a fine and suspension handed down by the NRL for an alleged altercation with a Guardian journalist during the side's season opener against Canberra in Las Vegas.
Agar agreed to the $5,000 fine as well as a three-match suspension proposed by the NRL, though a club statement on Wednesday said the coach had a 'different view' to the contents of the breach notice he was handed for bringing the game into dispute.
'I regret what happened and I know it's not acceptable,' Agar said in a club statement. 'I accept the penalty and now want to move forward and learn from this.'
It is alleged that Agar verbally abused the rugby league reporter John Davidson and pushed him in the throat during an altercation in the press box at half-time of the NRL match at Allegiant Stadium.
Davidson, an Australian based in the UK who was in the US to cover the match as a freelancer, complained to the NRL integrity unit, which investigated the allegation.
According to New Zealand media reports after the Warriors returned from the US, Agar said: 'There's two sides to every story.'
The English coach has worked with the Warriors since 2023 after four years leading the Super League club Leeds Rhinos.
'It's in the best interests of the club, the players and the game to accept the penalty and move on,' said Cameron George, the Warriors chief executive.
'We don't condone Richard's actions. While he has a different view on some elements of the breach notice he wants to put the club first and accept the decision.'
Agar must also undertake education and training programs and will be fined an additional $5,000 if he reoffends.
The 53-year-old is barred from performing any match-day duties and from travelling to Warriors away matches during the suspension, which will include clashes with Wests Tigers and Melbourne Storm in Australia. Agar will still be able to coach the team during the week.
The Warriors have won their past two games since their 30-8 defeat to the Raiders in Las Vegas and sit seventh on the ladder heading into round four.
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