Karl Stefanovic explodes over cricket cheating scandal: "It was pathetic"
Channel Nine’s Today show co-host Karl Stefanovic has slammed Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland for refusing to use the word “cheating” in the wake of the ball tampering scandal.
This morning, Stefanovic expressed his fury on air as he labelled Sutherland’s response to the incident as “pathetic”.
“Let’s not beat around the bush. James Sutherland’s response this morning was pathetic,” Stefanovic said
“He was questioned directly about cheating as you heard and refused to answer. Questioned over and over and over and refused to answer. Why dodge it? It’s cheating plain and simple. Plain, premeditated cheating.
“You know it and I know it and the ICC know it and James Sutherland knows it.
“No actual punishment was handed down this morning at a time when the game needs strong and decisive leadership. (There are) Seemingly no ramifications for the coach.
“Whether you know about it or not in leadership there’s responsibility. Mistakes have been made. Admit them. Own them. Deal with them. Accept the consequences and move on.
“There needs to be a clear message sent to every player, every fan, every young boy and girl in this country who loves sport that this behaviour will not be tolerated. That message just wasn’t there this morning.
“James Sutherland’s response was at best weak. At worst, negligent. He must act or go.”
On Wednesday morning, Sutherland appeared before the media to reveal that Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft would be sent home after ball tampering in the third Test against South Africa.
When asked if the players were responsible for cheating, Sutherland bypassed the question.
“It’s not in the laws of the game, it’s not in the spirit of the game,” he said.
When asked a second time if they had cheated, Sutherland replied, “I am angry and disappointed. It’s not a good day for Australian cricket.”
“Clearly we are not at all comfortable with what has taken place. We have conducted an investigation, we have conducted reports and sanctions will be issued tomorrow and they will be significant, and they will reflect the gravity of the situation.”
Australian journalist Michael Best was one of the reporters who had asked Sutherland about if their actions were deemed as cheating and said he was surprised Sutherland had refrained from answering.
“I guess it’s a difficult word for a CEO to say. If he says it’s cheating, well, clearly the implications are enormous,” Best said.
“There’s a large chunk of the Australian public who think it was cheating but to avoid the question directly was an interesting move from the CEO.”
Although Sutherland did not answer questions about cheating, he apologised for the actions of the guilty Aussie players.
“I understand and share the anger and disappointment of Australian fans,” Sutherland said.
“On behalf of Cricket Australia, I want to apologise to all Australians that these events have taken place, especially to all the kids.
“I want to also apologise to Cricket South Africa and South African fans that this issue has overshadowed what should have been a great series.”
The penalties of Smith, Warner and Bancroft will be revealed from Cricket Australia within the next 24 hours via a statement.
Do you agree with Karl Stefanovic? Let us know in the comments below.