An ill-thought out social media post has cost Penrith's Tyrone May his NRL contract, with the premiership-winning club sacking the utility player.
May was forced to front Penrith's board on Wednesday where it agreed to terminate his contract.
It came after the 25-year-old uploaded an Instagram post following the Panthers' grand final win over South Sydney that made reference to his convictions for recording an intimate image without consent.
"As a club we understand our responsibilities to the game, our corporate partners, our members and fans, and the wider rugby league community," Panthers chief executive 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."
The photo uploaded showed May alongside Panthers coach Ivan Cleary leaving Parramatta Local Court before his conviction.
The image was captioned with lyrics from Canadian rapper Drake which said: "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".
He was fined $7500 by the NRL and was stood down by the Panthers before they tore up his contract on Wednesday.
May missed the 2019 season when stood down by the NRL as news of the charges emerged.
He was spared jail and handed 300 hours of community service in 2020 before being allowed to return to the Penrith squad.
He featured in their grand final loss to Melbourne in that year, before claiming a premiership ring in the gritty victory over Souths.
