Footy star Ezra Mam breaks his silence after being hit with drug-driving charges that could place his $4million contract in jeopardy
A remorseful Ezra Mam has spoken for the first time since he was charged with drug driving, claiming he will ‘work hard’ to rebuild his reputation.
On Wednesday, police charged the Brisbane Broncos star with drug driving and driving unlicensed after his car struck another vehicle on October 18.
The 21-year-old allegedly tested positive for an illegal substance during a roadside drug test by police.
Police are also set to allege that the 21-year-old had returned a second positive test when the NRL player appears in court on December 16.
His Ford Ranger had a head-on collision with an Uber taxi in the inner-north Brisbane suburb of Bardon. A mother and her four-year-old daughter were riding in the Uber as passengers when the collision took place.
The mother claimed that she and the child were hospitalised, with the girl sustaining a broken hip.
A remorseful Ezra Mam (pictured training for Brisbane this year) has spoken for the first time since he was involved in a road traffic incident
Mam’s Ford Ranger (pictured) collided with an Uber, with the car’s passenger claiming she and her four-year-old daughter had to be hospitalised as a result
The collision (pictured) occurred in the inner-north Brisbane suburb of Bardon on October 18
He has been hit with a traffic infringement notice for failing to maintain control of his vehicle.
According to his management, Mam had checked himself into a rehabilitation facility following the crash.
‘I understand the seriousness of the situation,’ Mam told News Corp after the charges were laid.
‘I understand the importance in myself standing up to take responsibility for my actions.
‘I will cooperate with the legal process to come.
‘I also understand my responsibilities as a role model in the community and I’m prepared to work hard to live up to those expectations going forward.’
Mam is currently signed on to a contract with the Broncos that will see him earn approximately $4million over the next four years, with his deal set to expire in 2029.
It is also understood that Mam has been in contact with Brisbane coach Michael Maguire as well as friends and family.
Mam said that he would ‘work hard’ to live up to the expectations that have been placed on him
The footy star also hopes the other individuals involved in the crash are making a full recovery.
‘I can confirm that every day Ezra has inquired about the wellbeing of all parties involved,’ his manager Nash Dawson said.
‘He understands the magnitude of the situation and has expressed he does not want to shy away from what has happened.
‘Instead, he wants to stand up and take accountability when he’s able.’
Depending on the outcome of the court hearing, it is unclear when Mam could return to the club.
New boss Maguire has been seen putting his new squad through their paces in pre-season training but said he did not expect to see Mam return until 2025.
‘As a club, we will talk to Ezra, his manager and the NRL about how that will progress,’ Maguire said.
‘Those are the discussions I need to have with Ezra.’
Mam’s return to the club remains unclear pending the results of his court case
The Broncos chief executive Dave Donaghy said that the footy club would ‘work with the NRL’s Integrity Unit on next steps.’
‘Ezra is currently seeking external support and we will give him the time and space to do so,’ Donaghy said in a statement.
‘As the matter is now before the courts, we are unable to make further comment on this matter.’
He added: ‘In my conversation with Ezra, he’s apologised for putting the club in this position, and certainly his concerns have been for the others that were involved in the accident.
‘He’s a young man, he’s a 21-year-old – But unfortunately, in this industry, you need to grow up quickly – it’s a very privileged role.’
