And there it is...Roy cleared! Who would have thought it?
Now that Symonds has been cleared by the CA investigation, he has all of two days to put this incident behind him and get his frame of mind right for the Adelaide test. Given that the publican was so prompt in coming to Symonds defence, why did it take CA this long to put the matter to rest?
It was a nice touch that Symonds apologised to his team mates for the distraction leading up to this test; I presume that the media and the public will now be clamouring to say sorry to the Australian number 6... NOT! I doubt that Roy's detractors will be slow to insist on his dropping from the side if he fails to perform up to their expectations; regardless of the fact he has been most distracted by all of this, through no fault of his own.
CA's James Sutherland had a great opportunity to (finally) show they were supporting Symonds in the announcement when he stated, "CA is totally satisfied that Andrew did not provoke that incident and when approached by the patron in question handled himself appropriately." and "his response when subsequently provoked, was restrained and mature." But Sutherland couldn't resist turning to a more patronising tone by adding that he was disappointed that Symonds put himself in a compromising position... sorry Dad!
And then, "Whilst it's clear that no harm has been done on this occasion, I thought it important to talk to Andrew and take advice from his professional counsellors, to understand why he could be quite open about having a problem with alcohol and then find himself in the spotlight by visiting a pub literally a few days later," added Sutherland condescendingly.
After the lack of support from CA towards Symonds last summer, the jury is out on whether they truly value this world class cricketer.
stoph verismo
downthewicket
Symond's did not deserve to get a recall and displayed worse than poor judgement on the weekend, THROUGH NO FAULT OF HIS OWN? really?
ReplyDeleteand yet he did get picked, did show control and restraint while at the pub, has been cleared, has said that it wasn't a good judgement call going in the first place, but has still been given a muted slap on the wrist by Sutherlands so-so media statement; it would seem an apology for the delay won't be forthcoming from CA.
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