South Sydney Rabbitohs CEO John Lee has confirmed with the NRL today that the Club and its Chairman, Nicholas Pappas, are not under investigation regarding a personal reference written by Mr Pappas in a recent legal matter.

An article written by reporter Mr Danny Weidler suggested that the Club and Mr Pappas are under investigation by the NRL. This is entirely false according to the NRL which has confirmed this in writing to the Club today.

The Club supports the NSW judicial system which allows for references to be submitted for convicted persons who are before the Courts for sentencing. This is a course of action offered in most democratic jurisdictions worldwide.

Mr Pappas wrote the reference as a private citizen, not on behalf of the Club, and the Club supports his right to do this.

Mr Lee will be calling upon the journalist and the Fairfax organisation to make a public apology. A similar request will be remade to AAP which republished the false statement.

Neither the Rabbitohs nor Mr Pappas will be making any further comment on this situation as it may be subject to legal action.