Smithy charged with making racist remarks

[Pete]

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=6&click_id=4&art_id=vn20050505123 340953C453656

The West Indies' Dwayne Bravo alleged that Smith had made a remark with racist undertones while the all-rounder was batting on the final day of the match. The International Cricket Council's match referee Jeff Crowe held a hearing on Wednesday night - at which Smith appeared - and a finding is expected later on Thursday.

[Zainub]

Aparently Ryan Hinds is a pretty normal fellow, why would he go out and blast Smith unless Smith has really said something awful (or offending or on those lines) to Bravo (who I presume is a very popular member of the West Indies squad)

...Greame Smith apparently, will always find ways to land up in hot water

[Teatime FatCat]

I think it was Wavell Hinds Zainub. I don't think Ryan Hinds was ever awake enough during the series to notice any sledging.

Am I right in thinking that Smith has a bit of 'history' over sledging. Didn't he used to dish a bit out when he first started - then complain about the Aussies doing it back, and was he then in turn sledged out of sight by Stephen Fleming in a recent series?

[Zainub]

I always get confused over the Hinds. Thank you for clearing that out. Aparently the history bit you talk about is very true. I'm looking forward to what Jeff Crowe decideds on, in fairness though I really cannot comment on what would be a justified punishment or if one was ever needed at all since I've not seen the inccident my self. May be some one who has can tell us more.

[Pete]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/4521637.stm

Smith has been cleared now, Hinds has been fined his entire match fee though. He over-stepped the crease by a yard and intentionally threw the ball at Smith.

[Ninjaman]

The alleged incident was thus:

While Bravo was slowly moving towards his century, Smith, who was fielding at slip allegedly made the following comments:
"That's what's wrong with you black fuc*ers.....when your team needs you to stand up and bat you crumble.....now in a meaningless match you want to make a century....you black fuc*ers are really a joke."

Smith claimed he said slack not black and thus no charge.

This is what I have been told transpired.

Its veracity is open to question of course

[Argy Bargy]

Hmmm...... Interesting.....

[Occasional Fan]

Originally Posted by Ninjaman

Its veracity is open to question of course

But not any more. The hearing has taken place and Smith was acquitted. Time to get on with the next issue.

(This is not in anyway to condone remarks such as those you set out, Ninjaman. If said by anyone, they would be deplorable, that goes without saying, I hope.)

[Ninjaman]

Originally Posted by Occasional Fan

But not any more. The hearing has taken place and Smith was acquitted. Time to get on with the next issue.

(This is not in anyway to condone remarks such as those you set out, Ninjaman. If said by anyone, they would be deplorable, that goes without saying, I hope.)

I mean't the veracity of what is supposed to have transpired.

Not whether or not Smith said slack, black, crack, track or hack.

It might have been a whole other set of words.

What I am sure about is it took something serious to get Hinds worked up like that and acquittal from a charge does not mean a person didn't say it.

Just means no one can prove he did say it.

Now Smith is demanding a personal apology from Bravo or he takes it further, so actually, the issue has not been resolved.

[Occasional Fan]

Originally Posted by Ninjaman

Now Smith is demanding a personal apology from Bravo or he takes it further, so actually, the issue has not been resolved.

Ridiculous. He's had his "day in court" and been acquitted, as you say on the basis that there was not sufficient evidence to convict. Surely time for Smith and everyone else to move on to the next business - which is the ODIs, starting today I believe. The findings of the disciplinary hearing should close the issue, IMO (which is also what I meant by the comment in my last post above).