After learning that he is being probed for a sexting scandal, Tim Paine resigns as Australia’s Test captain only weeks before the Ashes. The shocking news has thrown Australia’s Ashes defence into disarray less than three weeks before the match begins. Following news of a sexting incident involving a former Cricket Tasmania staffer in 2017, Paine announced his resignation from the leadership during a press conference in Hobart on Friday afternoon.
According to reports, “Mr Paine’s sexually explicit, uninvited, and unsolicited image of his genitals, in addition to the graphic sexual comments,” outraged a Cricket Tasmania female employee. I spoke with my wife and family at the time and am grateful for their forgiveness and support, he continued. In a statement, Cricket Australia said it had accepted Paine’s resignation and would try to select a new test captain.
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Tim believed that stepping down as captain was in the best interests of his family and Australian cricket, CA board chairman Richard Freudenstein stated. While the board realises that Tim was cleared of any code of conduct violations in this situation some years ago, we accept his decision. CA does not tolerate this sort of language or conduct.
Tim Paine’s full statement:
“As a background to my choice, I was involved in a text discussion with a former co-worker nearly four years ago. The incident was the subject of a comprehensive Cricket Australia Integrity Unit investigation at the time, which I completely cooperated with and engaged in publicly. According to that inquiry, there had been no infraction of the Cricket Australia Code of Conduct and a Cricket Tasmania HR probe conducted simultaneously”.
“I profoundly regretted this episode at the time, and I still do today, despite being exonerated.” At the time, I spoke with my wife and family, and I am grateful for their forgiveness and support. We assumed that the crisis was over and that I could return to focusing only on the team, as I had done for the previous three or four years. I’m very sorry for the grief and pain I’ve caused my wife, family, and the other party.”
“I apologise for the harm this has done to our sport’s reputation. And I feel that stepping down as captain, effective immediately, is the proper move. I don’t want this to provide an unpleasant distraction for the squad before the crucial Ashes series. Leading the Australian men’s test squad has been the biggest honour of my sports career.”
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“I’m grateful for my teammates’ support and pleased with what we’ve been able to accomplish together.” I humbly request their pardon and understanding. I apologise for the disappointment I’ve caused fans and the whole cricket community.”
“I’ve been blessed with a lovely, loving, and supporting family, and knowing how much I’ve let them down crushes my heart. They’ve always stood with me and been my most devoted supporters, and I’m grateful for their help. I will remain a dedicated part of the Australian cricket team, and I am looking forward to the upcoming Ashes tour. “Thank you very much.”
