Former Australia vice-captain, David Warner has tearfully apologised for his role in the Cape Town ball-tampering scandal.
Meanwhile, he admitted that he might never play for Australia again.
A devastated Warner broke down many times, as he read a prepared statement during today’s press conference. Describing his actions as “inexcusable and deeply regrettable”, Warner apologised to teammates, support staff, Australian and South African fans and vowed to change.
“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,” he said. “I have let you down badly. I hope in time I can find a way to repay you for all you’ve given me and possibly earn your respect again,” he added.
Meanwhile, Warner avoided questions regarding his specific involvement in the incident.
CA stripped him of his vice-captaincy, slapped with a 12-month ban and also removed from any leadership position with the national side for the rest of his career.
“There’s a tiny ray of hope that I may one day be given the privilege of playing for my country again, but I’m resigned to the fact that that may never happen again,” the southpaw added.
CA also charged him for providing advice to Bancroft on how to tamper with the ball “including demonstrating how it could be done’.
Meanwhile, he also led the Newlands match officials by concealing his knowledge of and involvement in the plan.
In conclusion, he said he wants to move from this, and the first thing is the well being of his family.
Here is how the Twitter reacted:
If David Warner is resigned to the fact that he may never play for Australia again, has he, in effect, been given a lifetime ban? If it is indeed so, there is a story I am waiting to hear because that can't be about this incident alone.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 31, 2018
https://twitter.com/ethan_meldrum/status/979875749329956864
Tiger Woods
Lance Armstrong
Oscar Pistorius
Steve Smith
David Warner
Cameron Bancroft.“Nike” should perhaps start telling their Brand athletes…..
“Don't Do It"
???
— Archie? (@archu243) March 30, 2018
I might have this wrong. But I think David Warner is there to take responsibility for his part in what happened on day three of the Cape Town Test.
— Richard Hinds (@rdhinds) March 31, 2018
https://twitter.com/gregjames/status/979873549191131136
I can't be the only one who thinks that the architect of Australian cricket cheating shame David Warner .. is now an even more repulsive individual after turning up to "face the music" with his little girl in his arms .. like here's my sympathy blanket .. cowardly creep ..
— Mike Parry (@mikeparry8) March 29, 2018
Somehow, even when David Warner is in the pits of despair, apologising unreservedly, he’s still annoying.
— Jonathan Liew (@jonathanliew) March 31, 2018
This may not be a popular opinion but I’ve always liked @davidwarner31 as a brilliantly talented batsman, ferocious competitor, & as a bloke.
His cheating was appalling but his remorse seems painfully sincere & I hope he’s one day forgiven. pic.twitter.com/x0wLsSQthh— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) March 31, 2018
https://twitter.com/Aggerscricket/status/979873672696512513
Time for David Warner's press conference. pic.twitter.com/ibZEzbAOjM
— England’s Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) March 31, 2018
I've never seen David Warner leave so many half volleys outside off stump.
— Adam White (@White_Adam) March 31, 2018
David Warner media conf. was disgracefully handled. Whoever instructed him to avoid answering pertinent questions has only IMFLAMED this issue. If was legal advice-it was POOR advice. @TenNewsSydney @tensporttv @channeltennews #cricket #ICC #rsavaus
— Bernie Coen (@berniecoen) March 31, 2018
https://twitter.com/TheRachelShort/status/979873900115853312
Love him or hate him, it’s time to cut David Warner some slack. He, like Smith and Bancroft, made a grave mistake. We need to consider their health and well-being now. They are human, after all. #SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/vC8lVDeOCu
— Alex Oates (@AlexJOates11) March 31, 2018
Further, here is the newsfeed:
KKR still waiting for an update on Chris Lynn
Ex-Rajasthan co-owner Kundra moves SC to revoke life ban