Ben Stokes to offer 'full explanation' for Bristol brawl when time is right
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Ben Stokes has said that he will explain the violent Bristol Brawl incident once the legal process allows him to do so. The English Test vice-captain, though, accepted that his actions have had a negative impact on his team-mates ahead of the Ashes and the game of cricket as a whole.
Stokes was arrested under suspicion of causing bodily harm on September 26 following an altercation with two men outside a nightclub in Bristol. He was subsequently suspended from England team until further notice and the ECB also announced that he will not be travelling to Australia with the rest of the players on October 28.
Later, some of the reports suggested that Stokes was sticking up for two gay men who were being abused and he has not yet been charged by Somerset & Avon police. The ECB's Cricket Disciplinary Committee is also investigating the incident and may take further disciplinary action if they find him guilty.
"Ben explained to me the full circumstances of what happened in Bristol and I told him that he has my total support and backing," former England batsman Neil Fairbrother, who is also working as Stokes's agent, said in a statement, as reported by ESPN Cricinfo.Â
"I am aware that he has fully cooperated with the police inquiry and voluntarily provided a detailed statement on the same day as the incident. He will continue to assist the police in any way he can.
"Ben will also make public his full explanation and evidence when the time is right. On legal advice, that is not possible whilst the investigation continues and no charges have been brought forward. Ben does not wish to prejudice the process.
"He is also concerned about the impact the widespread publicity has on everyone involved including the ECB, his teammates and the game of cricket itself which he loves. We will not be making any further comment relating to this at this time."
The incident has not only put the all-rounder's cricketing career in severe jeopardy, but has also started to take a toll on his brand commitments, too. Yesterday, the sportswear company, New Balance ended its sponsorship agreement with Stokes stating, it “does not condone behaviour … that does not match our brand culture and values”
The Durham player has also issued a statement apologising for a video in which he appeared to mock the disabled son of Katie Price, the British model and television personality.
