Blackcaps all-rounder Doug Bracewell has pleaded guilty to drink-driving after he was caught three times over the limit.
The 26-year-old cricketer was nabbed on March 18 in Haumoana with a breath-alcohol limit of 783 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath. The legal limit is 250mcg.
He faced two charges at the Hastings District Court, including driving drunk and careless driving. The careless driving charge was removed on Thursday morning.
Bracewell said he "stuffed up and made an extremely bad call to drive home from a function because of a personal and urgent issue that arose at home," in a statement from his lawyer.
"I should have made a better call as to how to get home, and didn't. I was just worried and drove. I accept that mistake.
“This was no-one’s fault but my own; I take full responsibility, and I’m deeply embarrassed to have let down so many people – be they family, friends, or cricket lovers.
"I also accept that I must account for this error of judgment. I am here to be openly accountable for that error. Hopefully others will think twice in similar circumstances."
He's on bail for sentencing on May 25.
New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White said he was disappointed in the actions of Bracewell.
"Driving responsibly and considerately is a key part of creating safer communities, and, as Doug has said himself, he should have known better," said Mr White.
"As an organisation, we’re committed to promoting safe and responsible behaviours on our roads and take a very dim view of drink-driving."
White said he was unable to discuss whether NZC would seek to impose its own penalty on Bracewell, as the judicial process had not yet been completed.
"As such it would it be premature to comment on that particular matter."
Bracewell had not been playing for the Blackcaps after he suffered a torn ligament in December while playing fielding for Central Districts in a Twenty20 match.
He had not played for New Zealand since October, when he took part in an ODI against India.
He was overlooked by Kiwi selectors for the Pakistan Test series and was not used in the recent Chappell-Hadlee ODI series.
Bracewell was picked in the national squad at the age of 21, when New Zealand toured Zimbabwe in October 2011.
He's the son of Blackcap Brendon Bracewell and his uncle is John Bracewell.
Newshub.
