James Hooper leaves Fox Sports after alleged drunken crash in Leichhardt, high-range drink-drive charge
Fox Sports chief rugby league reporter James Hooper has left the company hours after he was charged with high-range drink-driving following a crash in Sydney’s inner west.
Hooper, one of the most respected voices in the rugby league world, allegedly blew 0.253 – more than five times the legal limit – after a ute he was driving crashed into three parked cars in Leichhardt at 7.30pm on Thursday.
The 47-year-old, who was found near the scene of the crash by police officers, is due to face court next month facing the high-range drink-driving charge as well as three counts of damaging property.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Fox Sports boss Steve Crawley said on Friday Hooper was leaving the organisation immediately.
“James has been a great contributor since he joined us in 2016, but he’s also battled some significant personal issues from time to time,” Crawley told The Daily Telegraph.
“In speaking to him today, James also acknowledges that things need to change for him.”
A remorseful Hooper said he was ashamed of himself.
“I’ve let the game of rugby league, my employers, my wife and kids down terribly,” he said.
“Hopefully this is the punch between the eyes that will set me straight.”
Hooper was not only the broadcaster’s chief NRL reporter, appearing on NRL360 each week, he wrote columns for the Fox Sports website, and is a sideline reporter for radio station Triple M.
Triple M is yet to make public comment on the matter.
