St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor has expressed his deep remorse at being charged with low-range drink-driving the day before his side’s Anzac Day clash with the Roosters, saying he would never have gotten behind the wheel had he thought he was above the legal limit.
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McGregor said he was left in “disbelief” at returning a blood-alcohol reading of 0.063 after being stopped by police for a random breath test at North Wollongong at around 8.45am on Sunday morning.
He was subsequently charged with low-range drink-driving and issued with a court-attendance notice, with a date and location yet to be determined.
The Mercury understands McGregor was a guest at the Illawarra Centenary of Anzac Race Day at Kembla Grange on Saturday where he consumed alcohol before returning home and sharing a few more drinks over dinner with his family.
A contrite McGregor – who has been fined $10,000 by the club – apologised for a “gross error in judgement” on Thursday, saying he had no idea he would be over the limit the following day.
“I acknowledge that I made a real poor error of judgement after having a good day out at a charity event and spending some time with my family at home on a Saturday night on a day off,” McGregor said.
"I got a decent sleep and it was nine hours between my [last] drink and my drive.
"I thought I was in a good state to drive. I was in total disbelief when I was over the limit even though it was very low range.
"I'm extremely disappointed with myself and totally understand the problems that can and could have arisen from my poor decision.
"It was a mistake, a gross error of judgement and one that I deeply regret.”
Dragons CEO Peter Doust said in a club-issued statement that McGregor informed the club of his arrest on Sunday though a report to the NRL Integrity Unit was only delivered after the story broke on Thursday.
"Paul informed management at the time of the incident and the matter was dealt with internally," Doust said.
“The Dragons have today [Thursday] provided the NRL with a full report.
"Paul has been sanctioned by the club, heavily fined and he understands that his actions contravene his responsibilities as head coach.
"Paul had spent his day-off with friends and family at a charity event, had a full night’s sleep, was up working, had breakfast and then jumped in his car to drive, not thinking that he would be over the limit.
"Paul understands the seriousness of the matter, regrets his error of judgement, is extremely remorseful and has accepted the sanctions determined by the club.”