‘Devastated’ former Captain Steve Smith break down during News Conference
Steve Smith was in tears as he accepted full responsibility for the ball-tampering scandal, saying he was devastated by his “big mistake”.
The 28-year-old said he is simply gutted right now and would regret the incident for the rest of his life
“It was a failure of my leadership,” said the 28-year-old at a news conference in Sydney.
Bancroft and Warner have also apologised for their actions.
Smith added: “I am deeply sorry, I love the game of cricket, I love kids wanting to play the great game of cricket that I love.
“Any time you think about making a questionable decision, think about affecting your parents.
“To see the way my old man has been, and my mum, it hurts. I just want to say I’m sorry for the pain I have brought to Australia and the fans and the public.”
Must see what Steve Smith has to say about his mistake:
Here’s how twitter reacted:
DEVASTATING!
— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) March 29, 2018
Haven’t Australia made enough of a spectacle of Steve Smith? I’m blown by what he is being put through.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 29, 2018
Tough to watch Cameron & Steve go through the 2 statements they just made. They will learn from this & be better in the future I’m sure!
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) March 29, 2018
Just seen @stevesmith49’s press conference. As a parent, I’m gutted for him & his family!
Shout me down if you want, but I’m speaking as a parent!
It will get better mate!
— Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) March 29, 2018
‘Good people make mistakes’ .. I honestly think Steve Smith & Cam Bancroft are decent guys who had a moment of madness .. they deserve a 2nd chance and hopefully get the right support around them now .. Takes a lot guts to do what they did today ..
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 29, 2018
They include the sanctions being “considerably higher” than the punishments meted out for similar offences by the sport’s world governing body, the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The ICC banned Smith for one game and fined him his entire match fee, while Bancroft was fined 75% of his match fee and given three demerit points.
Warner was not punished by the ICC.
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