Cronulla chairman Damian Keogh says he does not have a drug problem following his arrest for possession of an illegal substance.
Former basketball star Keogh, 55, was allegedly found with a small resealable bag containing a white substance at a Woolloomooloo pub as police conducted a drug dog sweep.
"It's obviously been a very distressing time personally and for the family. I've just been bunkering down and trying to register things," he told News Corp.
"I've stood down as chairman of the Sharks to try and distance myself from that at this stage.
"The club's in great shape and they'll move forward, just see how things go.
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"It's been a very challenging weekend but it gives me a greater appreciation of what a lot of our players go through when they have issues."
Keogh, who is also the CEO of cinema chain Hoyts, was charged with possessing a prohibited drug, reportedly cocaine, on Friday night.
"No I don't have a drug problem," Keogh told reporters on Monday morning.
"People who know me know this isn't me, it's not what I'm about."
"I also accept accountability and we will go through the process."
Keogh said he was in discussions with lawyers on the matter and could not discuss them yet."
He is due to face Downing Centre Local Court on June 30.
