Blake Ferguson yet to be released from prison following drug incident despite being linked with move

Sacked former rugby league and union star Blake Ferguson is still yet to be released from prison in Japan following his arrest.

The NRL – Ferguson’s former governing body – have been unable to release the winger from jail after he was reportedly found in possession of cocaine after his arrest in late December.

It was also alleged that Ferguson had punched a fellow restaurant-goer before he was arrested just a few days before the Rugby League One was set to begin its 2022 season, with the former Parramatta Eels star set to take to the field for the NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu.

Ferguson’s arrest, however, led to the termination of his contract before he had even played the 15-a-side code.

Fox Sports has reported that the 31-year-old’s agent and team are trying to get Ferguson released, even with it being almost a month since his arrest.

Green Rockets Tokatsu were swift in their decision to release Ferguson but accepted some responsibility for his actions: “NEC Corporation would like to express its deepest apologies for the arrest of Blake Ferguson, a former contracted player of NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu, a rugby team operated by NEC Corporation, on December 30, 2021, on suspicion of possession of illegal drugs, a serious violation of the law.

“It must be said that the efforts to inform newly contracted players of the situation were insufficient, and we solemnly acknowledge that this situation has come to pass.

“We plan to take disciplinary action against the director in charge of sports business promotion and team executives after appropriate measures are implemented.”

It remains to be seen where Ferguson will next end up, with a sensational move back to the NRL rumoured.