Maloney has spoken to News Corp about his departure and said he was disappointed in himself but harboured “no ill-will towards the Cowboys”.
“It was only a low-range charge, it wasn’t excessively over,” Maloney told News Corp.
“The club’s position was that in my role as a leader and in coaching, it wasn’t acceptable.
“Personally, I’m disappointed in myself that my mistake has become a distraction for the club at this time of the year.
“We’re not in normal jobs unfortunately and things like this are unacceptable in the NRL.”
North Queensland have been impressive in attack this year and players have spoken of the positive impact Maloney has made in that regard.
Fullback Scott Drinkwater told AAP earlier this year that he had driven standards at the club.
“He is hard to please, Jimmy, which is good,” Drinkwater said.
“There is always something to improve on. He has helped by changing a few things and making more blokes accountable – not just the halves and fullback about seeing stuff on the field – so everyone is looking up and talking.”
The sixth-placed Cowboys play Canterbury away on Saturday night where a win will secure them a home semifinal.
