Leave my family alone, Warne tells media

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February 13, 2003 17:08 IST

Shane Warne, back home from the World Cup after failing a drugs test, has appealed to the Australian media to leave his family alone.

Television crews were camped outside Warne's Melbourne home on Thursday.

Warne, 33, returned from South Africa on Wednesday and admitted his mother Brigitte had given him the pill which contained a banned diuretic.

"We understand there is a lot of public interest in this story, including Shane and our mum," Jason Warne, the player's brother and manager, said in a statement.

"We, Shane and I, are always very open and happy to talk to media. But at this stage, my family and I cannot make any further comment as we do not want to influence or compromise the hearing which is coming up in any way.

"My mum obviously cannot comment for the same reason. She is obviously upset about the whole situation and we ask you to respect her privacy at this tough time.

"There will be no further comment from anyone in the family until after the hearing.

"So please can you show some respect and leave us to go about our day-to-day business while we try to deal with the situation as best we can."

WARNE TO EXPLAIN

The leg spinner is expected to appear before the Australian Cricket Board'sĀ Anti-Doping Committee next week to explain why he took the diuretic and argue mitigating circumstances.

If Warne is found guilty of doping, he could face a two-year ban under ACB rules, a penalty that would probably end his brilliant career.

The ACB said the anti-doping hearing in Melbourne would be held once the results of the B sample, were received. They are expected on Friday.

Warne, wearing a blue singlet and a cap, was shown on Channel Nine news on Thursday looking sun-tanned and relaxed at home. However, his young son Jackson yelled out to the media: "Go away!"

Warne has said he has never taken performance-enhancing drugs and did not condone their use.

The Australian dislocated his shoulder on December 15 and was back playing for Australia on January 23, also against England.

"I can confirm that the fluid tablet I took before appearing (on January 22) to announce my retirement from one-day cricket (after the World Cup) was given to me by my mum," Warne told reporters at Melbourne airport on Wednesday.

"Contrary to speculation, taking it had nothing to do with the treatment for my shoulder injury or for masking any banned substance.

"I did not give it another thought until contacted by ASDA (Australian Sports Drug Agency) this week."

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