Former Australian rugby league international John Hopoate quit the Wests Tigers today as pressure mounted on the club to sack him after his 12-week ban for "interfering" with opponents.
The winger was banned for 12 matches after he was found guilty of sticking his fingers up the backsides of three North Queensland players during a match last weekend.
The club came under pressure from their sponsors to sack Hopoate but the winger saved them the trouble by resigning.
"That was agreed to today. He's copped a fair hammering [from the media]. He needs to clear that out of his life and get on with his family life," Wests Tigers chairman John Chalk said.
Hopoate defended himself by saying he was trying to slow down the game and provoke his opponents into striking out at him in order to win a penalty.
Wests Tigers coach Terry Lamb told the Sun Heraldnewspaper that he was aware of Hopoate's tactic and thought it was funny.
But the National Rugby Leagues judiciary describing Hopoate's actions as "disgusting" and imposed its ban.
In an interview with Sydney's Sunday Telegraph, Hopoate said he was embarrassed by his actions and the shame he had brought on his family.
"I will emerge from this a better person- I can't believe what I've done," Hopoate said."I don't know why I have these brain explosions. I'm going to have to get counselling."
Reuters