Steve Smith was mercilessly mocked after he broke down in tears as he made a grovelling apology for his part in the Australia cricket ball tampering scandal.
The 28-year-old sportsman cried as he apologised profusely at a press conference on Thursday, telling reporters that “good people make mistakes.”
Smith and batsman David Warner, 31, and Cameron Bancroft, 25, have been banned by Cricket Australia after it emerged ball tampering took place in the third Test against South Africa.
"It was a failure of my leadership," said the sportsman at a news conference in Sydney.
Some sports fans accused Mr Smith of being "insincere and turning on the water works".
Fans dismissed Mr Smith’s emotional display as “crocodile tears” after he admitted he knew of a plan to cheat and accepted full responsibility.
Michael James wrote: “Steve Smith perfecting the art of crocodile tears.”
Ria said: “I’ve seen better crocodile tears from toddlers then I have from Steve Smith.”
Another person accused the athlete of only apologising because he got caught.
“Steve Smith has apologised not because he regrets doing something unethical. He has apologised because he was caught.”
Alan Gard wrote: “CROCODILE TEARS. If you hadn't been caught, you would be cheating in the next test.”
Another fan tweeted a photo of Steve Smith’s autobiography which appeared to have been reduced.
Despite many accusing the cricketer of being insincere, others offered their support.
Bill Shorten wrote: "No one's perfect. A terrible lapse in judgement but good people make mistakes. Credit to Steve Smith for fronting up. Now let’s give him some time and space."
Another person said: "We are not the sum total of our greatest mistakes. My heart goes out to @stevesmith49 who has given me so much cricketing joy over the years. He is also a thoroughly decent human being. I stand by him and will be here upon his return. #SteveSmith"
Mr Smith and Mr Warner have been given year-long suspensions from international cricket.
Mr Smith and Mr Bancroft have also been banned from captaining Australia for at least the next two years, while Warner, will not be considered for any team leadership positions in the future.
