Fans defend Australian cricketers after statements following ball tampering saga
EMOTIONAL apologies from Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft have been praised by fans - but David Warner has been savaged for his own statement.
STEVE Smith and Cameron Bancroft have been praised by fans for their heartfelt public apologies over the ball tampering saga after addressing the media in emotional press conferences.
It comes as Australian coach Darren Lehmann announced he would step down from his role despite being cleared of wrongdoing, after having watched the young players apologise.
“After speaking with my family at length over the last few days, it’s the right time to step away,” the former coach said in a shock announcement.
“I’m ultimately responsible for the culture in the team and I’ve been thinking about my position for a while.”
Agonising to see @stevesmith49 such a broken man.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) March 29, 2018
He's a good guy who made a dumb mistake & is now paying massive consequences.
But he didn't kill anyone, dope or match fix - and he's faced up to what he did with painful honesty.
Time to call off the dogs. pic.twitter.com/2G3wusFrZk
DEVASTATING!
— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) March 29, 2018
“Despite telling media yesterday that I’m not resigning, after hearing Steve and Cameron’s hurting it’s only fair that I make this decision.
MORE: Idiot hijacks Smith conference
The stunning decision came hours after ex-captain Smith broke down in tears during his speech in which apologised for the pain he caused the public and his family.
“I want to make clear that as captain of the Australian cricket team I take full responsibility,” the visibly distraught player said.
So very hard to watch, well done Smithy and Bangas, horrible to see the pain they are in! They did wrong but will be back bigger and better! #goodyoungmen
— Ryan Harris (@r_harris413) March 29, 2018
That was incredibly difficult to see.
— Daniel Brettig (@danbrettig) 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
“I know I will regret this for the rest of my life, I’m absolutely gutted. I hope in time I can earn back respect and forgiveness.”
“I’ve made a big mistake by allowing this to happen. it was a huge error of judgment on my part and I’m deeply sorry.”
Former captain Michael Clarke said it was “devastating” to watch, while Piers Morgan declared “time to call off the dogs”.
Cameron Bancroft was also praised for acknowledging his role in the saga. Former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce, who recently endured his own national scandal that put him at the centre of a media storm, tweeted “enough is enough” for the young players.
Time to give Steve Smith a break,I think.
— LaurieOakes (@LaurieOakes) March 29, 2018
We are not the sum total of our greatest mistakes. My heart goes out to @stevesmith49 who has given me so much cricketing joy over the years. He is also a thoroughly decent human being. I stand by him and will be here upon his return. #SteveSmith
— Peter Helliar ðŸŒˆðŸŒ¥â˜˜ï¸ (@pjhelliar) March 29, 2018
Just spent 20 minutes consoling my crying 9 year old who is a major Steve Smith fan after he watched the press conference. Encouraging him and all kids to write Steve a letter telling him how much you love and admire him.
— deborah knight (@deborah_knight) March 29, 2018
No one's perfect. A terrible lapse in judgement but good people make mistakes. Credit to Steve Smith for fronting up. Now let’s give him some time and space.
— Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) March 29, 2018
“Smith, Warner & Bancroft did wrong, they have paid for it. What are you trying to do? They aren’t criminals,” he said.
Other high profile fans including Leigh Sales and Andy Lee weighed in to say the apology was the “best way to start the road to redemption.”
However former England captain Michael Vaughan took aim at David Warner for refusing to front up in person, saying: “2 out of the 3 players fronting up to the media. Speaking honestly and in great regret. 1 speaking through a statement on social media!!!” (sic).
2 out of the 3 players fronting up to the media .. Speaking honestly and in great regret .. 1 speaking through a statement on social media .. !!!
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 29, 2018
Enough is enough. Smith, Warner& Bancroft did wrong, they have paid for it. What are you trying to do? They aren’t criminals.
— Barnaby Joyce (@Barnaby_Joyce) March 29, 2018
Jeez Bancroft looks like there's been a death.
— Leigh Sales (@leighsales) March 29, 2018
If anyone just watched that Bancroft press conference would agree these guys mental health & Well being should be a priority now for @CricketAus . He was a broken man, it was so hard to watch 🤦ðŸ½â€â™‚ï¸
— Joel Thompson (@joel_thompson12) March 29, 2018
Cam Bancroft showing more balls than David Warner with this press conference go away young man work your hardest and I sincerely hope you find your way back.
— Mitch (@M_1tch) March 29, 2018
Watching Cameron Bancroft is absolutely heartbreaking. He acknowledges a massive error of judgement. He will take his medicine and he deserves to but I hope he is OK and I am convinced he will fight his way back. No winners here
— Darryl Brohman (@therealbigmarn) March 29, 2018
Amazingly well spoken by Cam Bancroft.
— Andy Lee (@andy_lee) March 29, 2018
Best way to start the road to redemption.
For the first time it's possible to feel some sympathy. Cameron Bancroft was used and manipulated over the Jonny Bairstow business and now his career has been irrevocably damaged by his supposed responsible seniors. Showed genuine remorse in Perth....
— Paul Newman (@Paul_NewmanDM) March 29, 2018
News Corp columnist and Sky News commentator Andrew Bolt said the reaction was “so savage” he wondered if the nation had “collectively gone way over the top”.
Former Australian cricketer Gavin Robertson agreed that the sanctions exceeded what many expected but said the players might each make a return to the game.
“I think we’re a very forgiving country ... I just think there is so much more to play out in this story,” he said.
Cameron Bancroft fronted the media in an emotional press conference on Thursday.
“I love the game of cricket and playing for my nation and my state. There’s no greater pride for me,” he said.
“I’m extremely disappointed and regret my actions, I’m sorry to those people who have looked up to me in the cricket world and especially the kids.”
“I know I’m a role model but haven’t acted like one in this instance. I understand I have let many people down and I understand the disappointment in the community.
“Not a second has gone by since last Saturday evening where I haven’t wished to turn back time and do the right thing during the lunch break.
“It’s something I’ll look to improve on and earn the respect back of the community.
“All I can do in the short term is ask for forgiveness and hope you can find it in your hearts to let me progress on that journey.
Meanwhile David Warner released a statement on Twitter. The 31-year-old dumped vice-captain confirmed he will land back in Australia on Thursday night and acknowledged his role in the plot.
“To cricket fans in Australia and all over the world: I am currently on my way back to Sydney,” Warner wrote.
“Mistakes have been made which have damaged cricket. I apologise for my part and take responsibility for it.
“I understand the distress this has caused the sport and its fans.
“It’s a stain on the game we all love and have loved since I was a boy.
“I need to take a deep breath and spend time with my family, friends and trusted advisers. You will hear from me in a few days.”
— David Warner (@davidwarner31) March 29, 2018
Earlier in the day, Sanitarium ended its relationship with former captain Smith over the saga.
“Weet-Bix ambassadors represent our brand values of trust and integrity, and they speak to everything that is good about being Australian,” Sanitarium Australia’s executive general manager, Todd Saunders, said.
“Based on the ball tampering incident and the findings of Cricket Australia’s investigation, we are unable to continue our relationship with Steve Smith.”
“We recognise the immense pressure and the consequent health and wellbeing impacts this incident has had, and will continue to have, on the players concerned and on the broader Australian Cricket Team. As such, Sanitarium has offered support to Cricket Australia to ensure that player wellbeing is a priority at this time.”
Originally published as Fans defend Australian cricketers after statements following ball tampering saga
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