Warne statement on appeal, evidence

MELBOURNE, Feb 26 AAP - Shane Warne's statement announcing his decision not to appeal his suspension and responding to criticism of his evidence by the ACB doping committee.

"After much advice from a lot of different and various people I have decided not to appeal the 12 month suspension.

"Although I find this penalty very harsh and I am extremely disappointed that this has happened, I have decided that I no longer want to put my family under even more stress. Enough is enough.

"This has been the toughest two weeks of my life and I have decided that it is best for all concerned to try and move on the best way we can.

"I have made a simple and innocent error of judgement. I take full responsibility for my own actions and yes, I should have checked with someone, I should have known better.

"Not appealing is a very, very tough decision for me to make because I have been a professional cricketer for the best part of 15 years and would love to be back playing as quick as possible. But in the end to go through this again every single day for possibly the next three weeks or so is just too much.

"I have decided to accept the decision of the committee on the chin and try to move on and deal with it the best way I can.

"I want to repeat again that I have never taken performance enhancing drugs and never will.

"It was proved by expert evidence in the hearing that fluid tablets do not enhance performance. They would not have aided recovery from the type of shoulder injury I had and would not mask any other substances.

"I am also disappointed that the committee has said that my evidence was vague and unsatisfactory. Both my mother and I gave honest accounts under oath to the best of our recollections. The fact that this has been brought into question is unfair.

"As I said I have been playing professional cricket for the best part of 15 years and will now be looking at other work opportunities over the next 12 months.

"Looking to the future I can say that I am definitely going to give it my best shot to get back to the top and will continue to train hard, work on my bowling and experiment with new deliveries.

"One positive out of this situation is that I hope no other athlete makes the same innocent mistake as me.

"I will try to get through the next 12 months the best way I can and try to move forward at this very difficult and tough time. The people who know my know what I am about and that I am strong enough to get through this. The support of my family, friends, team-mates and sponsors has meant a lot to me and I would like to express my gratitude and thanks."