Hayne denies wrongdoing over Hells Angels biker video

Omnisports

September 13, 2016 7:18 AM

After being captured on camera alongside a man with alleged ties to the Hells Angels, Jarryd Hayne said: "I was not aware of this person's history."

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Jarryd Hayne and outgoing Gold Coast Titans team-mate Nene MacDonald have denied any wrongdoing after partying in the company of a former Titans Under-20 player with alleged ties to the Hells Angels.

A Snapchat video emerged showing cross-code star Hayne and MacDonald, who has agreed a three-year deal with St George Illawarra Dragons from 2017, alongside Chris Bloomfield, an alleged member of the outlaw biker club.

In response to the controversy, the Titans and Hayne released statements on Tuesday.

Hayne, back in the NRL following stints in American football and rugby sevens, said: "Over the weekend I was out with a group of players and friends for some end of footy season drinks. There were some people there that I knew and some people there I didn't know, including Chris Bloomfield who I met for the first time.

"As any human would do, I said hello to those I came into contact with and was friendly as normal. I understand Bloomfield filmed a few short Snapchat videos of me rapping to an Eminem song. At the time, I was not aware of this person's history with the law and alleged bikie affiliations.

"I also want to make it very clear that a comment in the video which suggested I supplied Chris with a large sum of money is not true. This money was not mine.

"This was a prank initiated by Bloomfield and was not intended to be taken seriously. It was also not my voice shouting for a cigarette and I was not involved with any of the offensive comments subsequently added to this video."

The Titans added: "Jarryd Hayne and Nene Macdonald have today, as part of a Gold Coast Titans inquiry into events of last weekend, denied any wrongdoing in a Snapchat video that was circulated yesterday to the media. And they categorically deny any previous affiliation with Chris Bloomfield.

"The Gold Coast Titans board and management make no criticism of our players for having end-of-season drinks, as is the tradition in many other clubs and codes, in a function room and then in a private home. However, the club and our players have learned a powerful lesson from this event.

"As a direct result the club will be seeking briefings from senior Gold Coast police involved in the crackdown on bikies. We will put in place a structure so that our players are better equipped to distance themselves from individuals who seek to associate with them. "Unfortunately, this recent event is not isolated to the Gold Coast Titans. The Rugby League Players Association [RLPA] in conjunction with the NRL have been very strong in relation to educating and protecting players from external influences which could reflect badly on them and the game. We are co-operating with the NRL Integrity Unit and the RLPA in this regard."

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