I want to express my apologies and regret for what happened last Thursday night. 

I take full responsibility for my actions, and I’m sorry for the damage I’ve caused. 

Getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol is not acceptable, and this incident has been a reminder to me about the victims of drink driving, and how lucky I was not to hurt myself or others. 

As a result of what happened, I’ve negatively impacted those closest to me, including my fiancée and my family and my team-mates, along with the Club, Bulldogs fans and the wider community. 

I’m regretful also that I dragged Bailey and Billy into this situation when they were only trying to help me.

I want to apologise for the damage I caused to the other vehicles, and for any distress it caused the owners of those cars. 

I also understand the importance of obeying the coronavirus rules about social distancing, and that I should have stayed at home, as we’ve been telling our fans to. 

I want to also apologise to Victoria Police for the time their officers had to spend dealing with this incident when their time could have been better spent elsewhere in the community.

I made a lot of mistakes.  As I’ve reflected on what happened, I took it upon myself to suggest to the club that I step down from my position as vice captain, and give up my place in the leadership group.

I understand it wouldn’t be fair on my team-mates for me to stay in a leadership role this season.

I also accept the other sanctions imposed by the club today.  It will be hard to watch my team-mates take the field without me; it’s an additional burden on my teammates and the club for which I’m responsible.

I know that I have lost the trust and respect of many people.  I’m going to work hard to win it back. 

I can’t take back what I did, but I can control what I do from here.