Former NRL star Sam Burgess will face court next year after allegedly driving with a suspended license and failing a roadside drug test.
The 34-year-old claims he had no illegal drugs in his system despite testing positive for cocaine to police.
Police said Burgess was arrested shortly after 10am on Thursday after being pulled over in his BMW in Sydney’s east. Sam Burgess at Moss Vale Court in 2020. (Kate Geraghty)
Police say he was driving on a suspended license and tested positive for drugs
“Police stopped a BMW X5 on Bunnerong Road in Kingsford for the purpose of road testing,” a spokesman said.
“Checks revealed that the driver, a 34-year-old man, had a suspended license.
“The man was arrested after he tested positive for a random drug test and was taken to Maroubra police station.”
Police are awaiting further tests in relation to the alleged positive drug test, but the former South Sydney Rabbitoh insists he is clean.
“An initial roadside drug test was conducted, which tested positive for cocaine,” Burgess said in a statement.
Burgess won a first NRL charge with the Rabbitohs. (Getty)
“After I was released from the police station, I immediately and voluntarily went to an independent, internationally accredited testing center and took a urine test.
“The urine sample tested negative for all illicit drugs.
“I deny any suggestion that I have drugs in my system. I have not consumed, obtained or possessed any illicit drugs.”
Burgess also said his license had been returned after a 10-month suspension.
“I have made positive improvements to my life and my driving since getting my full license back after a 10-month license loss,” he said.
“I have taken road safety courses and since then I have not incurred any demerits or fines.
“I am clean and sober from drugs, living a happy, healthy and balanced life.”
Burgess was issued with a court attendance notice for driving while suspended. He will appear at Waverley Local Court on February 15.