Australian football star risks being sacked after alcohol-fueled lewd act

An Australian football star's career is on the line after footage emerged of the man harassing a woman and simulating sex with a dog while intoxicated on Australia Day.

Australian Rugby League star Mitchell Pearce has been stripped of his captaincy and stood down by football club, the Sydney Roosters, on Thursday, saying he needs professional help after footage emerged of an alcohol-fueled lewd act on Australia Day.

Pearce was filmed making unwanted sexual advances towards a woman and simulated having sex with a dog while he's also been accused of urinating on a couch.

"The behavior was unacceptable, we understand that. At the Roosters we can't accept that and we won't," Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson told reporters on Thursday.

Pearce, who is believed to have been fined 50,000 Australian dollars (35,182 U.S. dollars) for the incident, risks being sacked from the game by the National Rugby League's governing body for bringing the game into disrepute.

"What these young men have to realize is that they are role models. Our kids look up to these guys and there is a big responsibility that comes with it," New South Wales Premier Mike Baird said.

Despite animal cruelty authorities investigating the video, RSPCA New South Wales chief inspector David O'Shannessy said there weren't any specific offenses committed, though it shouldn't excuse his drunken antics.

"I struggle with the fact someone (who) behaves like this is considered a role model," O'Shannessy said.

Rugby League, played in Australia, United Kingdom and the Pacific, is the sister-game to the global Rugby Union, however Australia's players are considered the best in the world, fetching high prices in offshore leagues when they enter the twilight of their careers.

Pearce is considered one of Australia's best players, representing New South Wales at the State of Origin level, the annual contest against Queensland state and arguably the pinnacle of Rugby League. Enditem