There is another piece up on the DT website now with a quote from Gallop at the end:
I feared I could go to prison, says Brett Stewart
Phil Rothfield
The Daily Telegraph
May 16, 201212:00AM
IN his darkest hours, Brett Stewart was gripped by thoughts of going to jail.
"Absolutely I was," the NSW Origin star said yesterday, breaking a self-imposed three-year media blackout to reveal the nightmare of the 2009 sexual assault charges that almost ruined his life - and his football career.
"I knew I was innocent but my fate was in the hands of 12 jurors. It was my biggest fear. If they didn't see it for what it was, I could have gone to jail."
Stewart also told for the first time of his anger towards NRL boss David Gallop, who banned the Manly fullback for four weeks and fined the club $100,000 when he was charged with sexual assault after Manly's 2009 season launch party.
The NRL said it was not because of the assault claims, but because he was drunk.
After an 18-month legal battle a jury found him not guilty of all charges.
When asked about Mr Gallop, Stewart replied: "Who? I haven't forgotten that he turned his back on me when I needed his support most."
Stewart caused a storm when he said to Mr Gallop after last year's grand final win against the Warriors: "You owe me an apology."
There were times he thought about quitting rugby league but couldn't afford to because of his legal bills.
He thanked his brother Glenn, former Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler and his parents for helping him through the desperate weeks when many suspected he was suffering from depression.
But back in the Blues' State of Origin team for the first time since 2008, Stewart said yesterday: "I'm still not the person I used to be, although I'm getting better."
Last night Mr Gallop said: "We maintain we took the appropriate action and the issue is now in the past. I wish Brett good luck for Origin."