Willie Mason has spoken out to apologise to Members, supporters and the community after he failed a random breath test on his way to training on Monday morning.
Mason regretted the incident and felt the need to publicly convey his remorse for his actions.
“I just want to say sorry for letting the Club down, the Members and the fans,” he said.
“I take full responsibility for what happened this morning and now I have to deal with the consequences.
“Hopefully I can repay the Members by playing some good football this season."
Mason is aware of the impact the incident has on the Club.
“The Knights haven’t been getting the best media this pre-season but the culture at the Club is outstanding,” he added.
"As long as the fans know we’re heading in the right direction.
"I take responsibility for what I did and the same goes for the incidents with other players."
The forward says he has learnt from the incident.
“It was a bad judgment and if I had my time again, I obviously wouldn’t do it," he said.
"A lesson has been learnt.”
Mason is due to appear in court on February 20, 2014 in relation to this charge.
The Newcastle Knights will make no further comment until the matter is concluded.
