Statement From PCA on behalf of Keith Piper – 27/05/2005 The ECB have today announced that Warwickshire cricketer Keith Piper has pleaded guilty to a drugs violation involving cannabis. The ECB disciplinary panel have suspended Piper from involvement in all cricket under the jurisdiction of ECB until 30 September 2005 and fined him £ 250 costs. The Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) as the representative body of past and present first class cricketers in England and Wales makes the following statement on behalf of Keith Piper. ” I accept the disciplinary panel’s decision and I will comply with the conditions they’ve laid down for my quick return to cricket. I’m determined to tackle this issue head on and show everyone that I’ve let down that I can make up for it. Of course I’m disappointed that I wont be playing cricket again this season, but I hope to be back to coaching in October and on the field again next season if Warwickshire will have me.” Richard Bevan, group chief executive of the PCA, said: ” With many years dedication to the game, Keith now finds himself in a very unfortunate position. The PCA has a clear policy on drug use and we will continue to educate our members on cricket’s anti-doping regulations. We will support Keith with whatever rehabilitation may be necessary and in common with other former cricketers, help him explore avenues through which others might be able to benefit from his wealth of experience.”
