Re ‘‘Branded a cheat for life’’ (Leader, March 28).
As a long-time shire resident, sports tragic and soon to become grandfather for the first time, I want to send a message of support to Steve Smith and our cricketers.
They have made a mistake, they will pay the penalty and learn and move on.
But they have been treated like they have walked into an American school with a gun.
Listening to old cricketers, who themselves have a history of betting scandals, drug tests etc talking about the destruction of Aussie spirit etc. turns my gut.
Our politicians carrying on about Aussie pride etc. They should keep their shame for our big problems like domestic violence, child abuse and the treatment of refugees.
Or is this an OK part of Aussie spirit?
These cricketers are young guys with families etc who have made a mistake.
I worry a lot about their mental wellbeing, and want them to know I have been a supporter in the past, and will continue to support them in the future.
When my grandson arrives in June, I will teach him to play hard and play fair.
Just as importantly I will teach him that mistakes are OK, learn from them, and we will always love and forgive him.
Michael McCray, Engadine
The whole team and those who knew about it, should be sacked and removed from cricket for good.
Matthew Merillo
What do you expect from professional sportsmen. It’s a business and you do what ever to win.
Donna Harrison
Were they told to do this to win? Either way they had a choice, these days the young ones have no clue what is right or wrong, so no emotion involved.
Helen Crawford
Australia will never live this down, this tour was continuously tainted by both sides. Clean the Australian cricket hierarchy out and start again.
Yvonne Vickers
England and New Zealand loving this. How embarrassing. Play fair! We didn't need this.
Maggie Morris
Embarrassing for Test cricket, family and Australia.
Graham Guess
Sack him and the rest of the "leadership" group. Disgraceful.
Dex VonDoom
It's all about winning and money! Sad.
Libby Faulkner
Considering the vast amount of free and rolling media publicity, commentary and outrage - exceeding that of national business, Trump tweets, and North Korea's nuclear program - it would appear that playing and watching cricket could be hazardous to the nation's mental and moral health.
Perhaps coverage could be restricted to more suitable program hours and media outlets.
R Piech, Sans Souci
It was a massive shock to people of my generation (nearly 80) to see an Australian cricketer cheating.
In my day they were practically worshipped above all other sportsmen.
We all knew the names and scores of the leading batsmen, brilliant bowlers and fantastic fielders.
Bradman, the best batsman the world had known, was an Australian.
How proud we were.
There was no TV or mobile phones then so for entertainment we all played cricket – quite often on the street. Backyard cricket was part of visiting friends and neighbours.
Cricket was part of the Australian psyche. It embodied the Aussie ethos of a “fair go”. A common remark about anything that was not above board was “it’s just not cricket”.
Cricketers were revered because of their skill and their courage. They were not afraid to play without cheating.
It’s a shame these former heros are the ones to remind us no-one is perfect.
H Tasker, Grays Point