KEY POINTS:
Auckland all-rounder Andre Adams has been suspended from cricket until the end of the month and fined $500 for assaulting a Central Districts rival during a State championship match on March 6.
New Zealand Cricket's national commissioner Nick Davidson QC has upheld an appeal by NZC against the penalty by an Auckland association code of conduct commissioner that Adams be suspended for the State four-day match from March 12-15 and lose his match fee of $1000.
During the match, bowler Adams put his hand against the grill of CD batsman Bevan Griggs' helmet and gave him a push. He apologised after Griggs' angry reaction.
Davidson has increased the penalty, meaning Adams will not be able to play club cricket for the next two Saturdays.
In his decision released today, Davidson said the penalty was interim in nature, depending on whether the national selectors might choose to call him into the New Zealand side at the World Cup should another player be injured.
"If the suspension has that effect, I judge that too harsh a penalty and reserve the right to impose other sanction. That judgment is made based on the impact on the player rather than any detriment to the New Zealand team.
Adams will also receive a written censure.
Davidson said a penalty of one match, even with the loss of match fee, was inadequate.
"In the ordinary course, and for future reference, I indicate a tentative view, which should be treated as such, that for any minor assault, a minimum of one month's suspension will be appropriate, rising steeply with the gravity of the assault and always bringing into account any mitigating factors."
Davidson accepted that the assault was at the lower end of gravity and appeared to be a spontaneous act of frustration, followed by immediate recognition and remorse.
"I do not make more of the incident than that, but is an assault. The player has then acted responsibly and I bring to account all mitigating factors."
Davidson said the case was the first incident of its type to be brought before the national commissioner and had been dealt with leniently.
The $500 fine is the maximum that could be imposed under NZC's code of conduct.
- NZPA
