Gibbs stands by his controversial autobiography

MELBOURNE - South African cricketer Herschelle Gibbs has said he stands by his controversial autobiography that has ripped open a horrific tale of drinking, drugs and sexual intimacy during his international tours.

Gibbs said his book ‘To The Point’ is an “open and honest account” of his 14 years in international cricket.

Gibbs has revealed that current captain Graeme Smith was “too powerful” and part of a “clique” of senior players that included Jacques Kallis, Mark Boucher and AB de Villiers.

“When you are that forthcoming and honest you are bound to face that sort of criticism. I’ve been that honest. It’s not surprising,” Gibbs was quoted as saying in The Age.

“That particular clique of Graeme and Mark and Jacques, and to a certain extent AB, were very outspoken when Mickey was coach. I’ve made it clear in the book that I thought that around Graeme, Mickey buckled a little bit. That’s how I saw it.”

Gibbs said hopefully people can respect the honesty.

“It is about the issues that have made headlines for the right and wrong reasons,” he said.

“I have been very open and honest about the whole thing. I knew from the start that it would get a lot of criticism, so be it. I’ve enjoyed the experience.”

Gibbs, 36, said Smith had sent him a message asking him if he really thought he was “too powerful.”

“My answer to him was it didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out,” Gibbs said.

Smith has said that the players are very disappointed with the book.

In the book, Gibbs talks about his battle with alcohol, a stint in rehabilitation, his marijuana smoking on a tour to the West Indies, and a six-month ban in 2000 for his part in a match-fixing scandal.

He has also given details of sexual escapades between South African players and local girls, and in some cases group sex in hotels, on a tour to Australia in 1997-1998.