Cricket
ESPNcricinfo staff 6y

Stokes to offer 'full explanation' when legal process allows

Cricket

Ben Stokes has promised a "full explanation" of what went on in Bristol on the night of his arrest for alleged Actual Bodily Harm last month, after acknowledging - via his agent - that his actions have had a negative impact on his team-mates ahead of this winter's Ashes, as well as the ECB and the wider sport of cricket.

Stokes, who was last week withdrawn from England's Ashes squad pending further investigation into the events outside Mbargo nightclub on the morning of September 25, yesterday parted company with his bat sponsor, New Balance, a contract that is believed to be worth £200,000 a year.

He also issued an apology to the British celebrity Katie Price, after being filmed appearing to mock her disabled son Harvey, an incident that generated further negative headlines on the back of the Bristol incident, in which he was shown allegedly throwing punches at two men in a street brawl.

However, Stokes's agent, the former England batsman Neil Fairbrother, has insisted that the player retains the full support of his management company, ISM, and added that the full details of what went on that night would be made public at an appropriate time, after the investigation by Avon and Somerset Police has been concluded.

"Ben explained to me the full circumstances of what happened in Bristol and I told him that he has my total support and backing," said Fairbrother in a statement. "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 team mates and the game of cricket itself which he loves.

"We will not be making any further comment relating to this at this time."

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