Promising Wellington cricketer Malaesaili (Ili) Tugaga has been suspended for six weeks and fined $500 after admitting charges of serious misconduct.
Tugaga, a contracted player, pleaded guilty at a Cricket Wellington inquiry to a charge that he misled coach Anthony Stuart about the reasons he gave to get leave of absence from training duties as a member of the Wellington squad last month.
He had been granted compassionate leave to visit a sick relative but it had appeared he had used that time to travel to the United States.
At the time, Tugaga was injured with a shoulder strain. He had put his leave request forward because he wanted to fulfil a proposed modelling contract in San Francisco.
The fast bowler had been a successful model at the world of wearable art event for the last two years.
Tugaga said in a statement he had made a big mistake.
"I am embarrassed by my behaviour; and for letting myself, the coach, the team and Cricket Wellington down and I made a big mistake," Tugaga said.
"I have apologised sincerely and have made a full commitment to this not happening again. I am going to try and mend the bridges and win back the respect of my coach and teammates."
Cricket Wellington chief executive Gavin Larsen said serious consideration was given to terminating Tugaga's contract.
"Because we have faith in Ili and believe he has great talent, we have decided on penalties less than termination but still very meaningful and at a level just below termination of contract."
Tugaga will also serve 40 hours of cricket-related 'community service', which will include umpiring at a junior rep zone tournament, and assisting Wellington age-group coaches with coaching of aspiring young fast bowlers; make written apologies to Cricket Wellington and Stuart, Firebirds; apologise in person to the wider Wellington squad, as well as produce a written 'behaviour bond' that outlines to Stuart and Cricket Wellington how he is going to approach the future in terms of his responsibilities as a professional cricketer.
Cricket Wellington has told Tugaga, who made his first class debut against Otago in the 2008/09 season, that this was a final warning, and any breach of his contract in the future will result in immediate termination.
" This has been a huge lesson," said Tugaga. "I am very grateful for another chance."
