Australia Test cricket captain Tim Paine steps down over 2017 texts sent to female colleague
In a tearful news conference, the 36-year-old Paine said that an investigation at the time found he had not violated the league’s code of conduct, but “on reflection,” he felt his actions at the time did “not meet the standard of an Australian cricket captain.” He also said he had “recently” become aware that the text exchange would be made public.
Paine said he sent the texts to a then-colleague at Cricket Tasmania four years ago, shortly before he became national team captain.
He said the texts were subsequently the subject of an investigation by Cricket Australia’s Integrity Unit and Cricket Tasmania’s HR team.
“I spoke to my wife and family at the time and am enormously grateful for their forgiveness and support.
“We thought this incident was behind us and that I could focus entirely on the team, as I have done for the last three or four years.”
During a recent Netflix series on the Australia cricket team, head coach Justin Langer spoke extensively about rebuilding the team’s image.
“I’m deeply sorry for the hurt and pain that I have caused to my wife, my family, and to the other party,” Paine added.
“I’m sorry for any damage that this does to the reputation of our sport and I believe that it is the right decision for me to stand down as captain, effective immediately.
“I do not want this to become an unwelcome disruption to the team ahead of what is a huge Ashes series.”
“While the Board acknowledges an investigation cleared Tim of any breach of the code of conduct regarding this matter some years ago, we respect his decision,” he said.
“CA does not condone this type of language or behaviour.”
Freudenstein also said that Paine would continue to be available for selection in the Test team.
CNN has reached out to Cricket Tasmania for comment but has yet to receive a response.
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