Danika Mason’s live-cross from the Winter Olympics may be the watercooler story of the week – but it pales in comparison to her fiancé Liam Knight’s own alcohol-related scandal almost a decade ago.
Then a rising NRL prop with the Manly Sea Eagles, Knight was arrested for high-range drink-driving in March 2016 in scenes that were instantly memorable for the police officers in attendance.
As police sought to remove the front-rower from his vehicle, Knight bizarrely sprayed Aerogard – an insect repellent – into his own mouth, which, while there was no explanation officially given, was an apparent effort to mask the smell of alcohol.
Knight – who was 21 at the time – had consumed nine beers and three vodka, lime and soda mixed drinks during a nine hour drinking session at a pub and a mate’s place, before jumping behind the wheel with a friend.
He blew a reading of .176 when breath tested near the Roseville Bridge on Sydney’s lower north shore.
‘It was immediately noted that the accused’s eyes were watery and glazed and there was a moderate smell of intoxicating liquor coming from the vehicle,’ a police document read.
Danika Mason’s live cross from the Winter Olympics has been a huge talking point with Aussie sports fans – and it follows her fiancé Liam Knight being embroiled in his own alcohol scandal
Then a rising NRL prop with the Manly Sea Eagles (pictured), Knight was arrested for high-range drink-driving in March of 2016
Knight later appeared in Manly Local Court where he was handed an 18-month good behaviour bond and was also banned from driving for eight months
‘Whilst seated (after being arrested) the accused grabbed a can of Aerogard he located in the back seat and sprayed it into his mouth before police removed it.
After being taken back to the police station, a ‘cocky’ Knight refused to be interviewed.
‘Whilst with police, the accused was cocky and showed no real concern for the seriousness of the matter until after he was charged.
‘The danger from the accused’s speed, intoxication and road conditions posed a real and imminent threat to all road users and his passenger.’
Knight was issued an 18-month good behaviour bond and banned from driving for eight months.
After leaving the Sea Eagles following one first grade appearance, Knight has been a rugby league journeyman, with stints at the Raiders, Rabbitohs and Bulldogs.
When police looked to remove the front-rower from his vehicle, Knight bizarrely sprayed Aerogard – an insect repellent – into his own mouth
On Thursday morning, Danika Mason issued an on-air apology on the Today show, admitting she had been drinking before her broadcast on Wednesday morning Australian time
He then joined Hull FC in the Super League last year – and got engaged to Mason while on a romantic European holiday in October.
The couple have committed to a long-distance relationship, and it comes after the sports presenter dumped her ex Todd Liubinskas in September 2023, just three weeks before their planned wedding.
On Thursday morning, Mason issued an on-air apology on the Today show regarding her live TV faux pas the day prior, where she slurred through three crosses and rambled about coffee and iguanas, sparking an online uproar.
Mason today admitted she had been drinking.
‘And guys, just before we do go, I just want to take a moment if that’s okay, just to apologise,’ Mason began.
‘I also wanted to say thank you for everyone who has reached out. I’m okay. Probably just a little bit embarrassed.
‘Look, I totally misjudged a situation. I shouldn’t have had a drink. And especially in these conditions, it’s cold. We’ve got altitude.
‘And not having had dinner probably didn’t help as well.
‘But I want to take full responsibility. It’s not the standard that I set for myself.
‘So in saying that, I am genuinely sorry.’