New information has come to light in the social media saga that has surrounded NRL star AJ Brimson over the past 24 hours.
It came after the Gold Coast Titans player published a screenshot of a digital betting slip on his Instagram Story on Tuesday afternoon, revealing the owner of the account, who he then claimed belonged to his mother, had as much as $10,100 won the Melbourne Cup.
Initially, some thought the account in the screenshot was Brimson’s, with a second bet also visible on the slip.
Although partially redacted, the second bet would show that a bet had been placed on a rugby league match.
NRL players are banned from betting on games as part of the NRL code of conduct, but there is no evidence Brimson has done anything wrong.
Fresh new details have emerged in the wake of AJ Brimson’s social media saga
The NRL star appeared to post a photo of a digital betting slip on his Instagram Story
The NRL’s Social Media Integrity Unit is currently investigating the incident, but Brimson’s manager Jim Banaghan says his client has nothing to worry about over the claims.
He claimed that the Integrity Unit appears to be “very comfortable” with the situation at the moment.
Brimson had been enjoying a sunny afternoon with friends at swanky Nineteen bar at The Star Casino on the Gold Coast when 100/1 Outsider Knight’s Choice stormed through the field to win the Melbourne Cup after a dramatic photo finish.
According to The Daily Telegraphhis mother, Vanessa Brimson, had contacted her son to inform him that she had won a big bet on the Melbourne Cup.
But there’s a unique reason why she picked the horse Knight’s Chance to win.
Her first husband and Titans star father Ian Brimson sadly passed away in 2011.
Her current partner’s name is Kerry Knight and it is believed his surname is the reason why Brimson’s mother backed the horse ridden by Robbie Dolan to win Australia’s big race.
In fact, she scored a very nice dividend on a $100 bet, after which her son published a screenshot of the big payout on his social media.
The player has denied that the betting slip was his, saying instead that it belonged to his mother
The slip showed the account owner had won a $10,100 bet on the Melbourne Cup
Eagle-eyed fans noticed that a ‘First Try-Scorer’ bet was pictured and partially redacted on the betting slip and that Brimson’s mother had placed a bet on him to score a try during a match over the past seven months.
“It was a bit of harmless fun that backfired,” said Banaghan, Brimson’s manager.
‘He pretended to have won the prize, even though it was another family member.
‘The Integrity Cell is looking at it carefully and seems to like everything very much at the moment. It’s not going anywhere.
‘Unfortunately for those who want a good story, this isn’t one of them. I completely understand everyone getting excited, but there’s nothing to be excited about.
‘Congratulations to his mother for backing a 100-1 winner – I wish it was me.’
The Titans also told Daily Mail Australia: ‘The Gold Coast Titans have referred a social media post from AJ Brimson to the NRL Integrity Unit.
“The club is unable to comment further on this matter at this time.”
Sportsbet, the NRL’s betting partner, is also said to be providing league officials with contacts needed for their investigation.
The NRL has previously issued a warning to players about the seriousness of potential gambling offences, with ex-chief operating officer Jim Doyle revealing the sanctions players could face.
“We are saying that if you bet on rugby league you are at significant risk of losing your job or being significantly suspended,” he said.
Brimson’s officer subsequently denied that the slip was his and had nothing to worry about
His agent also stated that the NRL Integrity Unit was “very comfortable” with the situation
Wests Tigers center Tim Simona was deregistered by the NRL in 2017 after it emerged he had bet against his own team.
Simona had bet money against his own team winning and against opposing players scoring against the Tigers.
Brimson established himself as a key face for the Titans when he arrived in 2018.
The full-back has since made 112 appearances, most notably scoring five tries in 13 appearances this season.