Australian cricketer Tim Paine takes indefinite break after sex scandal
Sydney, Australia, Nov 26 (EFE).- Former Australia Test captain Tim Paine Friday announced an immediate indefinite break from all forms of cricket following a probe into sexually explicit texts that he allegedly sent to a female colleague four years ago.
“Tim Paine has advised Cricket Tasmania that he will be taking a leave of absence from all forms of cricket for the foreseeable future,” a Cricket Tasmania statement said.
“Cricket Tasmania will continue to support Tim and his family both professionally and personally over the summer.”
Paine, 36, resigned last week as captain of the national team.
Paine’s manager James Henderson confirmed that Paine was “stepping away from cricket for an indefinite mental health break.”
“We are extremely concerned for his and Bonnie’s (his wife) well-being and will be making no further comment at this time.”
The cricketer allegedly sent sexually explicit text messages to a female colleague in 2017, triggering a probe that cleared him of any wrongdoing.
The cricket star was subsequently investigated over the incident and cleared of any wrongdoing.
Sort officials in the Australian state of Tasmania described his interaction with the woman as “consensual” and “private” that did not violate the code of conduct.
Cricket Tasmania decided not to take any action, saying the woman complained in 2018 only after she was charged with stealing.
The issue surfaced in the public recently, forcing Paine to step down as the Cricket Australia captain because his behavior had impacted the game ahead of an all-important Ashes series against the traditional rival England that begins Dec.8.
He said he had let down his family and the Australian cricket community.
“On reflection, my actions in 2017 do not meet the standard of an Australian cricket captain, or the wider community,” he said.
“I am deeply sorry for the hurt and pain that I have caused to my wife, my family, and to the other party.”
He said he did not want the issue to “become an unwelcome disruption to the team ahead of what is a huge Ashes series.”
Speedster Pat Cummins has been named as the next Australian Test captain with Steve Smith as his deputy.
Paine played 35 Tests for Australia after he made his debut against Pakistan at Lord’s in 2010.
After appearing in four Tests that year, he did not return to Australia’s Test squad until the 2017-18 Ashes, when he helped his team in a 4-0 series victory.
He became the skipper during Australia’s tour of South Africa in early 2018 when Smith was stepped down for his role in an alleged ball-tampering incident. EFE
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