Crowe subject of NRL cap probe
Phil Rothfield & Rebecca Wilson
The Sunday Telegraph
December 04, 2010 11:00PM
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/...-1225965672455



Under investigation ... David Gallop (R) has referred allegations regarding Russell Crowe and Greg Inglis to Ian Schubert for investigation. Source: The Sunday Telegraph


THE NRL is investigating the business relationships South Sydney part-owner Russell Crowe has with a number of media and entertainment companies in relation to the club's salary cap.

Acting on an email tip-off, salary cap auditor Ian Schubert is delving into Crowe's recent dealings with Channel Nine, Channel Seven, ANZ Stadium and V8 Supercars.

But the Hollywood star sent us an email on Friday, sounding anything but concerned.

"The author of the email below is a chronic conspiracy theorist and you should do your own due diligence regarding the individual before taking anything he writes about with any level of seriousness," Crowe said.

"His antics are well known at Souths. Every connection he makes is untrue and the product of imagination only.

"Have a great weekend."

NRL boss David Gallop, who was copied into the email, says the investigation will continue.

Part of the investigation involves Souths players Sam Burgess and Beau Champion working on Channel Nine's Footy Show this year and Greg Inglis signing a third-party deal with ANZ Stadium in his new contract.

We're told the NRL will interview Crowe to establish if players benefited from any of his roles at Nine, Seven, the Ben Hur extravaganza at ANZ Stadium or the V8 Supercars.

Gallop confirmed the investigation is not all about Inglis' new contract that is yet to be approved.

"We have received some information from a gentleman who has now sent the info to you and other media outlets," Gallop said. "It is not unusual to receive that type of information - we are looking into it, but it is too early to say what it might lead to."

Asked if Crowe would be questioned, Gallop said: "We don't generally announce the nature of our inquiries, but where credible information is provided to us we interview all parties that could be relevant to the issues raised."

There is no suggestion Crowe is knowingly involved in an attempt to cheat the salary cap, but the NRL is determined to establish full details of arrangements at companies where Rabbitohs players have third-party deals.

Inglis' ambassador role with ANZ Stadium came just two weeks after Crowe had appeared as a narrator for Ben Hur.

We understand Crowe was paid by the stadium for his work, but at a figure far less than the going rate for an actor of his stature.