Australian cricketer David Warner regrets not keeping his outrage private, but says he was right to feel aggrieved by the use of his image next to a newspaper’s story on the seedy side of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The opening batsman was fined $5750 by Cricket Australia on Wednesday night after lashing News Ltd reporters Robert Craddock and Malcolm Conn on Saturday in a expletive-laden Twitter rant.
Warner was responding to a piece from Craddock that followed the arrest of Shanthakumaran Sreesanth and two other IPL players for spot-fixing.
The 26-year-old said on Thursday he was “extremely annoyed” that a photo of him playing for the Delhi Daredevils accompanied Craddock’s piece that highlighted, in part, corruption and fixing in the IPL.
“Obviously it’s disappointing that guys are match-fixing. It’s not my place to say why they did do it or why they keep continuing to do it,” Warner said.
“But for me to have my image related to an article (detailing those issues) … it’s the worst thing that can possibly be brought to a cricket player.”
But the hard-hitting batsman expressed remorse, saying he should have handled the story better.
“I think we (Australian cricketers) are a family in a way with the journos being a broader spectrum. We’ve got to try and keep the fighting in house and not let it go out house,” he said.
“If I went the right way about it and gave Robert a call, we wouldn’t be in this position today.”
Warner said he made peace with Conn and that the pair were keen to move on.
He suggested there had been a range of feedback from fellow cricketers.
“Some of the guys think it’s comical and some of the guys think it was disgraceful what I did,” he said.
“But at the end of the day if I didn’t use the language I did, it might have went the other way.
“Like I said (in Wednesday’s statement) I apologise for the language I used and if I offended anyone.
“… We all know as professional athletes what is appropriate and what isn’t appropriate (on Twitter).
“It was my fault, I take full blame for what’s happened.”
When asked if he had damaged his chances of being a future leader for the Australian team, Warner said: “I’m solely focused on the England tour ahead. I want to concentrate on scoring runs.”
Warner will depart on the weekend for the upcoming Champions Trophy in England.
Jonny Boy Jnr
Guest
He is in the NSW arrogant wan$er crew with Clarke and Phil Hughes (Eddie Cowan cheering them on like a weak link in a Labor Party Caucus). What more do you expect from the most polarising crew in international cricket???
congo
Guest
Warner's photo should not have been used , but the way he handled it was stupid . He should keep quiet and concentrate on making runs with a critical ashes series coming up . Our batting is poor and we need people to stand up and show some guts in this series .
Silver_Sovereign
Guest
This is like most modern athletes or celebrities. They aren't really sorry for anything. Only that they got caught and don't want to lose the sponsorship dollars. These fake 'apologies' don't mean anything. Lance Armstrong or Greg Bird I am thinking of you
Silver_Sovereign
Guest
In the past potentially good cricketers proved themselves before spouting their mouth off at journalists doing their job. If you want to silence the critics, "Davey", maybe you should look at your game, grow up, and focus on your immature batting which you get paid many thousands to do.
Praveen
Guest
His photo should not have been in the article, it's understandable why he got mad
twodogs
Guest
Yeh nick, imagine that? Warner - ' oh yes jolly good ol' chap. Must warn you presently that any inference towards myself and aforementioned scandal involving spot fixing is regarded as defamation of my splendid character and will be subject to immediate litigation and likely the sanctioning of further editorial matter regarding myself or said topic. Yours sincerely DW esq.
cuzza
Guest
Aussie captain? Please! Record better than most? His record might be better than most Australians at present, but that is nothing to be impressed about given the dearth of batsmen. Serial offender? Lets see, India day 1 4th test, tweets that India can't stand the heat!!! Good call for a team 3 nil down in a 4 test series. Not sure he wrote too many checks there either. One day final versus SriLanka, gets into a verbal after the game, very captain like. Now in India gets upset because his paper is printed next to a story on the IPL corruption. His response was very dignified. This bloke has a very high opinion of himself, should spend less time sledging and more time practicing.
twodogs
Guest
Hey Cuzza, yes it would pay for to remain silent. But realise this- the contributors on sites such as theroar are making all the noise.we need perspective. Our government is committing for more serious acts against us. These minor scandals are just the ticket for them as it draws our attention away from them! What is more scandalous? There will be no carbon tax under the government I lead' or 'get a real job you jealous #$%&'. Just remember the outrage the tiger woods affairs created, yet at the same time, well never mind. Do a bit of digging and see what you find.
twodogs
Guest
And what good would that achieve? Satisfaction? Warner hasn't been tarnished out of this apart from his own actions.
twodogs
Guest
Hey Greg. Probably the best reply to this saga I have read. Presently there are starving people, killers running loose, poverty, mutinous governments (every one of them) all over the world so, it makes DW's comments rather insignificant you reckon? Good call mate.
bigbaz
Guest
From western Sydney hopes to finish as Aussie captain.His cheques are better than most at this stage of his career.Serial offender?Please!
Nick
Roar Guru
All that needs to happen is for Warner to attend a few remedial English classes. His spelling and grammar was more appalling than the message.
cuzza
Guest
Where has he come from? Where does he hope to finish? This bloke is a serial offender, his mouth writes checks his ability can't keep. Needs to be very quiet, on and off the field.
bigbaz
Guest
Wow some of you need to get over yourselves.In the sportsmans' scandal stakes this doesn't even register.As to his language,it's hardly wharfie fare and his grammar is more of a reflection on his education and modern media communication.Maybe we should look at where he's come from and where he hopes to finish rather than take very cheap swipes at him.
Tom
Guest
James. Is it lonely up there on your high horse?
Tom
Guest
I think he does. In 2012 it was reported that "AN Australian man has won a landmark defamation case against Google after images of him were published alongside gangland figures including drug baron Tony Mokbel." http://www.news.com.au/technology/man-wins-defamation-case-against-google-over-images-published-online/story-e6frfro0-1226507563956 If I was Dave Warner I'd be speaking to a Lawyer.
matt h
Guest
Craddock would not have selected the picture, but he could have had a case against News Ltd
Tom
Guest
Well I guess the only damage done was to Dave Warners reputation and brand. How would you feel if your image was used to sell a story about child sex abuse, yet you were not the person accused?
Peter
Guest
How hard was it for Warner to contact his manager and have it dealt with professionally...not sure he has those skills unless it relates to money. Another reason why he should never be captain, he is a straight out, multi-millionaire bogan and that will never change. He did not have to create this media disaster and I am disappointed he was not dealt with more severely. Where's Mickey's and CA's apparent new "Line in the Sand" stance, he is again condoning this type of bad behaviour by not standing him down in my opinion. Journalist can and always will provide their opinions and that's their job. Warner thinks he is untouchable and guaranteed a place in every Aust team, poor form CA.
Don Corleone
Guest
Then again, there's no real victim in this case, is there? Like sportsmen who leave women with black eyes or facial cuts from a glassing or who have to endure degrading sexual harassment? Surely Craddock did not break down and shed tears over the incident...and probably got what he wanted...with his head appearing in the panel of a number of sports shows in the wake of the spat.