Las Vegas police chief Kendall Bell has delivered a warning to NRL stars over sex, drugs, alcohol and scams on their trip to Sin City.
The man who headed up security for this week’s Super Bowl spoke to players from the Rabbitohs, Broncos, Roosters and Sea Eagles on Wednesday morning to ensure they knew exactly how much trouble they could get into.
Given it comes just days after Brisbane stars were involved in a scuffle in Fortitude Valley – which has quite the night-life scene but isn’t exactly Vegas – it was a timely lesson.
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Players were urged to avoid alcohol, drugs and sex where possible, and told:
– Drink spiking is a major risk, with players told to avoid speaking with strangers or leaving their drinks behind;
– Taking women back to their rooms would leave them vulnerable to extortion attempts, or simply theft;
– Marijuana use is legal in Nevada but smoking in public could see players evicted from their hotels, and would fall foul of the NRL’s illicit drugs policy anyway.
News Corp reported each team will be supplied with 10 security guards.
Broncos stars apologise for dustup | 02:02
“Taking rugby league to the US is one of the most important strategic initiatives the game has ever undertaken,” NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said.
“The information briefing to the clubs and players has been planned for months and was an important step for us towards ensuring our Las Vegas launch event is a positive and safe experience for everyone.
“It’s imperative that the players understand their central role in this venture.
“Players are partners in the game and ambassadors. We want them showcasing their exceptional athleticism and professionalism to a brand new audience.”
The two matches, Sea Eagles vs Rabbitohs (Sunday March 3, 1:30pm AEDT) and Roosters vs Broncos (Sunday March 3, 3:30pm AEDT), are part of the first of a five-year commitment to play matches in Las Vegas.
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