‘Bad boy’ Ryder fined for booze-induced bluster in Christchurch bar

AUCKLAND - New Zealand cricketer Jesse Ryder has been fined by New Zealand Cricket after admitting to drunken behavior, the latest disciplinary lapse for the left-handed batsman.

Ryder admitted that his drunk and noisy behaviour drew complaints from guests at a hotel at which he was staying during an indoor cricket tournament in Christchurch in July.

“Jesse, to his credit, brought the incident to the attention of New Zealand Cricket and has admitted his role in it,” The New Zealand Press Association quoted Geoff Allott, NZC General Manager, as saying.

“NZC is extremely disappointed in this breach of trust and protocol by Jesse and view the matter very seriously,” he added.

Ryder admitted his fault in a statement to NZC, and said that he was committed to making the right changes in his life.

“I accept that being intoxicated and rowdy during the night put me in a position where I put New Zealand Cricket and my own reputation at risk and I accept this is not tolerable. The potential consequences of this event have distressed me over the last few weeks,” Ryder said.

“I have apologized to the hotel for my behavior and I have put a lot of time into working out a plan to prevent me being in this position again,” he added.

It is the third time NZC has taken action against Ryder for an alcohol-related incident since early 2008.

He was earlier ordered to apologize and pay for the damage he caused while attempting to break into a Christchurch hotel toilet.

In January last year, he was dropped for an ODI against West Indies after indulging in a late night drinking session and missing a team meeting the following morning. (ANI)