- Crashed into an Uber while under the influence of drugs
- Has faced court to answer the charges
- Will now face sanctions from the Broncos and NRL
Brisbane Broncos star Ezra Mam has faced legal consequences after a head-on collision while driving under the influence of drugs.
The incident occurred on October 18 in Bardon, Brisbane, when Mam’s Ford Ranger collided with an Uber.
A woman and her four-year-old daughter, passengers in the Uber, sustained minor injuries, with reports suggesting the child may have suffered a broken hip.
Mam, 22, was found to have cocaine in his system after failing both roadside and hospital drug tests.
The NRL player pleaded guilty to charges of driving with a relevant drug present in his blood and driving unlicensed at Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday.
He was fined $850 and disqualified from driving for at least six months.
Ezra Mam faces an uncertain future after he pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of cocaine following a head-on crash with an Uber
Mam was charged after this accident and will face scrutiny from the NRL’s Integrity Unit
The magistrate said that Mam ‘had to learn’ from the incident.
Mam admitted himself to a rehabilitation facility shortly after the crash, completing a four-week program and committing to a year of counseling.
‘On this particular occasion you shouldn’t have been driving because of the fact you didn’t have a licence,’ the magistrate said.
‘Having made that stupid decision to get behind the wheel of the car, as well as use illicit substances as well… a cocktail of cocaine and other matters that were found in your blood on this occasion.
‘At so many levels you are fortunate to stand where you are today… you could have been injured or killed, or the other persons could have been injured or killed.
‘There’s no place for illicit drugs in our community, and there’s certainly no place for a person who is using illicit drugs to get behind the wheel of a car.
‘You’ve got to learn from this.’
Speaking outside of court, Mam apologised for his actions again.
‘To the people involved in the accident I am truly sorry. This incident isn’t a reflection of what I want to be and what is expected of me as a role model,’ he said.
‘To the NRL, Brisbane Broncos, the fans, my family – I am sorry. I promise to work on being a better person.’
His manager, Nash Dawson, stated that Mam has shown concern for the wellbeing of the victims and is working to take responsibility for his actions.
The Brisbane Broncos confirmed they are cooperating with the NRL Integrity Unit, which is investigating the matter.
Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy expressed the club’s disappointment and noted that Mam apologised for his actions, acknowledging their impact on the club and the community.
‘I understand the seriousness of the situation and the importance of standing up to take responsibility for my actions,’ Mam said previously.
The incident has put Mam’s $4million contract with the Broncos in jeopardy.
He is not expected to return to training until 2025, with the club’s new coach Michael Maguire stating that discussions about his future would occur after the legal process concludes.
Maguire previously said that Mam needs time to focus on rehabilitation and accountability.
Mam’s actions have sparked broader discussions about player responsibilities and community expectations in professional sports.
The Broncos have vowed to support Mam through his recovery while maintaining a firm stance on upholding their standards. As the legal process continues, the NRL is considering potential penalties, including a suspension and fine.
Despite the controversy, Mam has pledged to work hard to rebuild his reputation and meet the expectations placed upon him as a role model.
