THE CANBERRA RAIDERS' NINE MONTHS OF NRL HELL The litany of off-field issues that have dogged the Canberra Raiders in the last nine months:-
2012, November: Blake Ferguson is removed from Foreshore Music Festival after reportedly spitting on patrons.
December: Reports police investigated incident outside Joel Thompson's apartment after a cyclist was struck by a bottle during a party. Thompson cleared of any wrong-doing
2013, January: Ferguson walks out of emerging Blues camp due to personal issues, later apologises to NSW coach Laurie Daley
February:
Enforcer Josh Papalii signs with Parramatta, creating a huge distraction, before the star reneges on the deal and re-signs with the Raiders
March:
Following several off-field indiscretions, star fullback Josh Dugan is sacked after going on a drinking session with Ferguson when the duo were meant to attend a recovery session. Ferguson fined $10,000.
June:
Ferguson and Dugan reunite for State of Origin II camp. Ferguson is charged with one count of indecent assault over an alleged incident at a Cronulla nightspot during celebration drinks.
Winger Sandor Earl is named by the Nine Network as being a player under investigation by ASADA. He denies it and threatens legal action.
July:
Ferguson pleads not guilty to indecent assault charge in court, is suspended by the NRL
Test prop David Shillington steps down from leadership team. Believed to be triggered by club's leniency towards Ferguson
More distractions as reports emerge that young star Anthony Milford wants to leave the club to be closer to his family in Brisbane
August 14:
Reports that Ferguson wants out of the Raiders to be closer to family and friends in Sydney.
August 20:
Raiders coach David Furner is sacked after the Raiders lose three straight and drop out of the top eight. Sacking triggers release clause in Ferguson's contract from October 31
August 24:
Ferguson is issued with a court notice for driving while suspended on his way to Sydney. He is also given a fine for driving 18km/h over the speed limit. Spotted at a pub later that night with Sharks star Todd Carney
August 25:
Ferguson chooses to be in Sydney instead of cheering on teammates for second game straight
August 28:
Ferguson is stood down from all playing and training duties with the Raiders after becoming uncontactable
August 29:
Earl charged by the NRL with using and trafficking banned peptides. The club understands the charges relate to a time before his arrival at the Raiders in mid-2012.
Source: http://rleague.com/news/Canberras-NRL-year-from-hell_124003/
Topic: Timeline: Canberra's NRL year from hell
