Willie Mason - Controversies

Controversies

Willie Mason has been associated with many controversial off-field incidents which have received media publicity due to his high profile in the National Rugby League.

• In 2002, Mason is reported to have run from a taxi to avoid paying the fare.
• In 2003, he tested positive to an illicit social drug, reported to be an amphetamine, and was fined $25,000 by his club. Mason has never commented on the issue publicly.
• In 2004, Mason along with Trent Waterhouse, Craig Wing, Craig Gower and Mark O'Meley, were fined for unprofessional behaviour and for leaving the team hotel after the side had returned from the night out. Mason forged another player's signature at an autograph event, and after a heavy drinking session with team mates, reportedly visited a brothel.

• At Sydney Airport in 2007, Mason verbally challenged a female reporter from radio station 2GB, resulting in a complaint from 2GB to the Bulldogs club and the ARL Mason later admitted to the outburst, which was captured on audio recordings, and apologised to 2GB journalist Michelle Keighran. Mason is sponsored by sportswear manufacturer, Champion, which almost severed its contract with the controversial footballer as a result of the incident.

• Also in 2007, Mason was involved in a nightclub altercation with the out-spoken Richie Williams, who Mason claimed shows no respect to the older players in the NRL and is a cocky kid who has yet to prove himself in the NRL. Mason was voted the most hated player by a fans poll in 2007.

• In February 2008 Mason and his new Roosters team-mate Anthony Tupou were charged with urinating in a public place during a visit to Port Macquarie.
• In May 2009 Mason was fined $2,000 by Sydney Roosters after being photographed urinating in a public place.