Shamed former Australian skipper Steven Smith has released a video where he has vowed to make a comeback to the game in an emphatic manner. In a video named 'Gutsy is calling' which is an advertising campaign for a mobile service provider in a bid to spread awareness about mental health for young Australians, Smith announced that he will come back stronger.
The commercial which is a minute-long campaign also includes the controversial footage of Smith along with teammates David Warner and Cameron Bancroft from the Capetown Test. The skipper talks about honesty, admitting mistakes, redemption, and coming back stronger.
As per several reports coming out from Australian media, Smith has donated all his fees to a local charity to assist men suffering from mental health.
"Everything I dreamed of, everything I was a part of was just falling to pieces," Smith says in the commercial.
"I was in a pretty dark space. It was just about being upfront and honest and taking responsibility.
"I've certainly had some difficult days. But it's OK to be vulnerable. Everyone makes mistakes; it's about the way you respond to it that's really important."
It concludes with Smith stating, "I want to come back better than I was."
We all make mistakes, Steve Smith being no exception. Find out how he took ownership and moved forward: https://t.co/tDShP4fv7e @stevesmith49 pic.twitter.com/pwP7AOlVS1
— Vodafone Australia (@VodafoneAU) December 18, 2018
Here are some of the pointed Twitter reactions:
Appalling - Steve Smith plans to cheat, cheats, gets caught out, continues to lie about it, eventually apologises, and then uses mental illness to try to avoid/excuse/get sympathy for his actions.
— richard (@knutsfordchap) December 20, 2018
Come on guys, we’ve all been there. One time I was walking on a pathway that was a little uneven so of course with my athletic ability I fell over and committed tax fraud.
— Kane is Able (@Kaneosaurus) December 20, 2018
It wasn’t a mistake, it was deliberate cheating. I object to you pretending that being sad about getting caught is the same as depression. I’m a long term Vodafone customer, deciding if I will continue to be one at the end of my contract.
— Kent Parkstreet the b6th (@kentparkstreet) December 20, 2018
Imagine being paid money by a sponsor for playing GRADE CRICKET because you’re banned for cheating from all other formats. ?. What a hero. SO GUTSY. (Don’t think about all that T20 money he’s made).
— Andrew Biggs (@biggsintweets) December 19, 2018
Message to kids. Cheat..Get a smack on wrist then exploit the hell out of it, regain position in team and keep exploiting the hell out of it
— Bob (@Bob65931143) December 20, 2018
Not a convincing story Vodafone.
— Jose Puliampatta (@JosePuliampatta) December 20, 2018
Took ownership only when the crime was caught
Got a knock on the knuckles &
The name of entire Oz Cricket was sullied.
Pl don't teach the kids, the wrong values, like "Don't commit a crime unless you are sure that you don't get caught". Shame!
Intentional Cheater like him bring shame on game like he always did.
— Parth Kyshup ? (@Test__cricket) December 20, 2018
He deserves a lifeban to save the spirit of great game of cricket.
See crocodile tears when caught red handed.? pic.twitter.com/I1tOCsi22L