Banned cricketer David Warner's statement

David Warner's statement following the ball-tampering scandal that led to a 12-month ban from international cricket.

DAVID WARNER'S FULL STATEMENT FOLLOWING HIS ONE-YEAR BAN FOR AUSTRALIAN CRICKET'S BALL-TAMPERING SCANDAL

"First of all I would like to thank you all for coming this morning. To the fans and the lovers of the game, who have supported and inspired me on my journey as a cricketer, I want to sincerely apologise for betraying your trust in me. I have let you down badly. I hope in time I can find a way to repay for all you have given me and possibly earn your respect again.

"To my team mates and support staff, I apologise for my actions and I take full responsibility for my part on what happened on day three in the Newlands Test. To Cricket Australia, I apologise for my actions and the effect it has had on our game under your care and control. I want you to know that I fully support your review in the culture of the Australian cricket team.

"To South Africa, the players, administrators and fans, I apologise unreservedly for my part in this and I'm sorry. I have brought the game into disrepute on your soil. South Africa is a fine cricketing nation. And deserves better from its guests and deserves better from me.

"To all Australians, whether you are a cricket fan or not, I apologise for my actions. And I'm sorry for the impact those actions have had on our country's reputation. I can honestly say I have only ever wanted to bring glory to my country through playing cricket. In striving to do so I have made a decision which has had the opposite effect. And it's one that I will regret for as long as I live.

"I do realise that I'm responsible for my own actions. And the consequences that it brings. It is heartbreaking to know that I will not be taking the field with my team mates I love and respect and that I have let down. Right now it is hard to know what comes next, but first and foremost ... is the well-being of my family.

"In the back of my mind I suppose there is a tiny ray of hope ... that I may one day be given the privilege of playing for my country again, but I am resigned to the fact that that may never happen.

"But in the coming weeks and months I'm going to look at how this has happened and who I am as a man. To be honest I'm not sure right now how I will do this. I will seek out advice and expertise to help me make serious changes.

"I want to apologise to my family. Especially my wife and daughters. Your love means ... your love means more than anything to me. I know I would not be anything without you. I am very sorry for putting you through this and I promise you that I will never put you in this position again.

"Before I take questions, I want to again say thank you. I take full responsibility for my part in what happened. And I am deeply sorry for the consequences of what I was involved in. I failed in my responsibilities as vice-captain of the Australian cricket team."


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Source: AAP



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