As the NRL weighs up the future of Sydney Roosters captain Mitchell Pearce, a backlash has begun against those who made public the footage that could cost him his League career.

Many have used social media to call for the person who leaked the material to pay a price for their actions, some describing them in derogative terms and advising them to “take a long vacation” with the money they’ve made.

• Mitchell Pearce scandal deepens
• Pearce admits alcohol issues

By Friday evening, photos, a phone number and an address for a person believed to have been responsible for the sale had been leaked on social media.

But, in a statement sent to Fairfax by Sydney public relations agent Roxy Jacenko, the person identified denied he was the one behind the video.

“I have not met Mitchell Pearce, I was not present at the party when Mr Pearce was filmed, I deny filming Mr Pearce performing the act, I deny sending any of the subject text messages or participating in any sale of the subject video file,” the statement said.

“I have appointed a legal team who will be handling the matter from here on & will defend the claim and allegations made against me in their entirety. There will be no further comment from me.”

Some people were angered by the apparent cash grab from the individual who leaked the video.

“You are a grub for cashing in on Mitchell Pearce,” wrote one Twitter user. “Hope someone publishes your internet searches.”

Another Facebook user defended Pearce and said sharing the video “profiteered off ruining [Pearce’s] life”.

ABC journalist and commentator, Marius Benson, also weighed into the debate, suggesting Pearce was a pawn in a bigger game.

Click here to read Marius Benson’s opinion piece on the Mitchell Pearce scandal

“There is nothing to admire about Mitchell Pearce’s behaviour, but it is worth looking at the bigger picture and those benefiting from his demise – the media – and those moving fast to make sure they’re not damaged by it – the NRL and sponsors,” wrote Benson at the The Drum.

On Wednesday, a lewd video of the State of Origin star at an Australia Day party was leaked online, showing the halfback making an unwanted advance towards a woman and apparently urinating on himself before simulating a sex act with the woman’s dog.

On Friday, revelations emerged that the NRL had taken possession of a text message exchange between two unknown people allegedly detailing plans to sell the video to the media.

The texts reveal an individual named “Jack” who is alleged to have captured the footage and is considering selling it to “end his [Pearce’s] career”. The two people involved in the exchange do not identify themselves as friends of Pearce.

“No none of us were – they were with us at the oak and they were pretty normal – giving out liney lineys and then they jumped a cab with me back to hers and went f**king ape shit! Jack just sat there filming it all,” the text read.

The veracity of the text messages is yet to be confirmed and the NRL Integrity Unit has refused to comment on the “ongoing investigation”.

The alleged text exchange immediately prompted the social media backlash. So did revelations the Pearce video was sold to Channel Nine for $20,000, with another $40,000 paid by The Daily Telegraph.

A drunk, stupid, never aggressive young man; a guy who films and sells; reporters who over-sell the tale. Who’s the worst? #MitchellPearce

— richard glover (@rglover702) January 29, 2016

‘He hasn’t hurt anyone’

Parramatta star Kieran Foran said it was disappointing the video was made public.

“You’ve just got to be very cautious where you go and who you wind up with because, whatever you do, you’re being watched every move,” Foran told AAP on Saturday.

“It’s unfortunate blokes can’t just go out and have a beer and Mitch’s case is a bit more than that – and he’s admitted that.

“It’s just unfortunate that people go out of their way to film stuff and profit off it, which is wrong in my eyes.”

Former NRL player Sandor Earl, who is serving a four-year ban for drug use, also weighed in on Facebook.

“The disgrace is the embarrassment who filmed someone who had been drinking and felt comfortable in someone’s house to then sell the story of a guy swearing that imitated humping a dog,” Earl wrote on his official Facebook page.

“He hasn’t hurt anyone, his actions have really only hurt himself I believe,” New South Wales Blues captain Paul Gallen told Seven News.

On Friday night, the Roosters issued a statement revealing the 26-year-old Pearce, already stood down from all club activities, was on his way overseas to check into a rehabilitation clinic to address his alcohol issues.

Early on Friday afternoon, a clearly shaken Pearce fronted reporters.

“I would like to unreservedly apologise to everyone for my actions over the last couple of days,” said a teary Pearce, who did not take questions from reporters.

“My behaviour was unacceptable, I’m embarrassed and take full responsibility for my actions,” he said, adding: “I acknowledge that I have a problem with alcohol and it’s something I need to address.”