Fox Sports has sacked chief league reporter James Hooper after he was arrested following a crash in Sydney on Thursday, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, five times the legal limit.
Police allege Hooper crashed his into three parked cars at Leichhardt on Thursday evening and then failed a roadside breath test.
The 47-year-old allegedly returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.253, more than five times the legal limit.
He has been charged with high-range drink-driving as well as three counts of damaging property and will appear in court on September 15.
“At 7.30pm on Thursday, police were called to Allen Street, Leichhardt following reports of a crash,” according to a NSW Police statement.
“Officers attached to Leichhardt Highway Patrol attended to find a utility had collided with three parked cars before coming to a stop.
“‘The driver – a 47-year-old man – was located nearby and allegedly returned a positive breath test before he was taken to Newtown Police Station where he returned a breath analysis of 0.253.
“He was charged with drive with high range PCA and not give particulars to owner of damaged property [three counts].”
Hooper told The Daily Telegraph: “I’ve let the game of rugby league, my employers, my wife and kids down terribly.
“Clearly I’m not handling the tough side of the job. Hopefully this is the punch between the eyes that will set me straight.”
Fox Sports chief Steve Crawley confirmed Hooper had left Fox Sports, effective immediately.
“James has been a great contributor since he joined us in 2016, but he’s also battled some significant personal issues from time to time,” Crawley told the Telegraph.
“In speaking to him today, James also acknowledges that things need to change for him.”
Hooper, who also covers the NRL for Triple M, said he would be seeking professional treatment.
Due to legal reasons, comments on this article have been turned off
