Tyrone May is no longer a Penrith Panther.
The 25-year-old was officially axed from the club after a meeting of the Penrith Board this morning.
It follows a controversial Instagram post, since deleted, May published soon after the Grand Final against Souths.
The post featured a photo of May and Panthers coach Ivan Cleary leaving Parramatta Local Court with lyrics from rapper Drake: “And the dirt that they threw on my name turned to soil and I grew up out it. Time for y’all to figure out what y’all gon’ do about it. Love my brothers”.
The post raised serious concerns that May had not bettered himself since the sex tape scandal of 2019.
May narrowly avoided jail after pleading guilty to four counts of intentionally recording an intimate image without consent.
The scandal erupted prior to the 2019 season but May has remained part of the Panthers squad and played in the past two Grand Finals.
Last month the NRL fined May $7,500 and ordered him to undertake further education programs in the wake of the Instagram post.
“As a club we understand our responsibilities to the game, our corporate partners, our members and fans, and the wider Rugby League community,” Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher said.
“The Board observed due process in this matter and considered all relevant factors before reaching its final decision.
“Panthers will coordinate with the NRL to ensure Tyrone receives access to any support services he needs moving forward.”
May fronted the club’s Board this morning to make an impassioned plea to save his career. It’s understood his manager also attended the meeting.
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.