Zac Guildford, the All Blacks winger, has expressed remorse following a drunken and disorderly evening in Rarotonga that concluded with his incarceration in a police cell.
On Thursday night, a naked and bleeding Guildford reportedly burst into Trader Jacks bar, striking one man who offered assistance and then hitting another patron in the back of the head.
According to TV news reports from Monday, Guildford arrived at the bar after managing to escape from the police, who had previously detained him following a brawl over misplaced scooter keys.
Following the incident at Trader Jacks, the police recaptured Guildford and were transporting him to the hospital when he jumped out of the van and into a lagoon in a bid for another escape.
This attempt was unsuccessful, and he spent the night behind bars, as stated in the reports.
Guildford, who was in Rarotonga for a rugby clubmate’s wedding, subsequently released a statement apologizing to the bar’s patrons, the staff, and the people of the Cook Islands for his conduct, as well as for causing embarrassment to his family.
“I lack a clear memory of the events from that night, yet there is no denying that my actions were inappropriate, and I feel deeply embarrassed by what transpired,” he mentioned.
Guildford’s struggle with alcohol is well-documented, and he has faced the New Zealand Rugby Union three times in the past 18 months.
“I do not seek sympathy for my current predicament, but I am grateful for the support I have received from many,” he added.
“It’s evident that I require help, and I want to return home to seek that help as quickly as possible. I need to get my life in order.”
The NZRU has stated its commitment to supporting Guildford.
“He has faced alcohol-related issues before, and we have worked diligently with Zac… Many others have done so as well, and we will continue this effort. He is a good young man,” said Sorensen.
Although Guildford was on leave, the NZRU still anticipated that players would exercise common sense regarding their behavior and alcohol consumption.
by Buford Balony
