Steve O'Keefe charged by Cricket Australia for ‘code of conduct’ violation

Left-arm spinner Steve O’Keefe, whose Sri Lankan tour concluded prematurely following a hamstring injury has been fined $10,000 by Cricket Australia after he was issued with a criminal infringement notice by the police of New South Wales. The incident allegedly occurred in a hotel on Saturday night in Sydney. O’Keeffe has been charged by his employers, Cricket Australia for breaching the ‘code of conduct’ for cricketers representing their countries.

“Just before 11pm, on Saturday 6 August 2016, a 31-year-old man attempted to enter licensed premises at The Corso, Manly,” a New South Wales Police media statement said, as reported by the Daily Telegraph. “It will be alleged the man behaved offensively towards a security guard, who had refused the man entry.

“The man allegedly verbally abused the security and management personnel and refused to leave. Officers attached to Northern Beaches Local Area Command attended and the man has issued a criminal infringement notice for offensive behaviour and excluded person remain in the vicinity of licensed premises.”

Pat Howard, Cricket Australia’s executive general manager for team performance added that he was disappointed by the way O’Keefe behaved and subsequently charged him with “conduct unbecoming of a player”.

Also read – CSA bans four players for breaching Anti-Corruption Code

“We take a zero-tolerance approach to this type of behaviour from players at any level in Australian cricket,” Howard said. “Steve understands our expectations and that we’re extremely disappointed this situation occurred, particularly as he is recovering from an injury.”

Andrew Jones, the Chief Executive for New South Wales Cricket added that Steve O’Keefe had apologized for his actions. “I have spoken to Steve and he is very disappointed with his behaviour. He has apologized to the management of The Steyne Hotel and accepts that he will be sanctioned.”

“I know I failed to uphold the high standards expected of an NSW and Australian cricketer and apologize to all concerned,” O’Keefe said. “I take full responsibility for my actions and accept the sanction handed to me by Cricket Australia.”

Also Watch: Anil Kumble reveals how he will bowl to Virender Sehwag on 299*