Symonds may face further psychological and alcohol rehabilitation
January 26th, 2009 - 2:14 pm ICT by ANI
Melbourne, Jan.26 (ANI): Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds is likely to be sent to a psychological and alcohol rehabilitation course and may not be considered for February’’s Test tour to South Africa .
While there is mounting pressure from some Cricket Australia board members to tear up Symonds” contract after his bizarre radio rant, it appears he may not be sacked.
According to Fox Sports, there are serious concerns being expressed about his state of mind.
During a rambling and alcohol-fuelled radio outburst on Friday, Symonds called New Zealand batsman Brendon McCullum a “lump of shit” in reference to New South Wales signing him for the final of the domestic Twenty20 competition.
Symonds insists that his comments were made in jest, and he has issued a public apology to McCullum.
“I understand how this has been received differently to the way in which I intended to express myself, and for that I am extremely sorry. I remain committed to and focused on returning to play my best cricket,” Symonds was quoted as saying in a statement.
Cricket Australia bosses meet Tuesday to determine Symonds” fate, and the all-rounder is likely to be charged under CA’’s code of behaviour for making detrimental public comments about an opponent.
He faces a suspension or a fine of up to 5750 dollars if found guilty.
It is the same charge Matthew Hayden faced for calling India spinner Harbhajan Singh an “obnoxious little weed” on radio last year.
Influential CA figures are likely to order a review of the confidential psychological program Symonds underwent after last year’’s “gone fishing” affair in Darwin .
The program, which treated Symonds for a stress-related illness as well as drinking and anger-management issues, is set to be bulked up and more heavily scrutinised.
With an increased focus on Symonds” rehab, he is unlikely to be considered for Australia ‘’s squad for the three-Test tour of South Africa to be named next week.
Skipper Ricky Ponting wants Symonds for the South Africa tour, but the chances are he will not get his way. (ANI)
- Queensland coach lays down the law for Symonds - Jan 27, 2009
- Symonds fined 4000 dollars for McCullum radio rant - Jan 29, 2009
- Doctor''s report could save Symonds - Jan 28, 2009
- Symonds opts to face disciplinary board in Melbourne - Jan 28, 2009
- Symonds ruled out of Proteas tour - Feb 03, 2009
- Symonds charged, may be fined on Thursday - Jan 27, 2009
- Symonds left out of South Africa series - Feb 03, 2009
- Ponting to seek explanation from Symonds on McCullum comment - Jan 26, 2009
- Morgan, Mendis top T20 batting and bowling rankings - Oct 24, 2011
- Troubled Symonds to make a comeback in first-class cricket - Jan 27, 2009
- McCullum unfazed by what Symonds said - Jan 26, 2009
- Symonds faces hearing for abusing McCullum - Jan 27, 2009
- Cricket Australia may ask Symonds to explain slur on McCullum - Jan 25, 2009
- Symonds to play for Queensland - Feb 10, 2009
- Symonds dropped from Australian World Twenty20 squad - Jun 04, 2009
Tags: alcohol rehabilitation, Andrew Symonds, anger management, batsman, bizarre radio, brendon mccullum, cricket australia, fox sports, harbhajan singh, management issues, new south wales, outburst, public apology, public comments, rehabilitation course, rounder, serious concerns, spinner, stress related illness, twenty20
