Gibbs faces ban after marijuana rap

Six South African cricketers including controversial opening batsman Herschelle Gibbs have been fined for smoking marijuana during…

Six South African cricketers including controversial opening batsman Herschelle Gibbs have been fined for smoking marijuana during the West Indies tour.

Gibbs, who returned this year from a six-month ban following match-fixing charges, also faces a three-match ban over the affair.

The United Cricket Board of South Africa said in a statement today that it viewed the offence "in a most serious light".

But it accepted that the incident, which occured in a hotel room after the test series victory over West Indies last month in Antigua, had been a"one-off".

READ MORE

Paul Adams, Roger Telemachus, Andre Nel, Justin Kemp and Craig Smith were the other players named. All were fined 10,000 rand ($1,250).

The statement added: "The accused all expressed remorse, apologised and gave an assurance that this would not happen again."

Gibbs could be barred from selection for three internationals after being given a suspended ban and a fine following a reprimand for "unbecomingconduct" during a one-day series against Australia last year.

He was punished for visiting a nightclub on the eve of a match and breaking a team curfew, and has been dogged by disciplinary problems.

He was banned for six months last year after admitting agreeing to accept money from disgraced former South African captain Hansie Cronje tounder perform in a match. He later changed his mind and pulled out of the agreement.

Earlier on the tour of the West Indies he was reprimanded by match referee Mike Denness after showing dissent over his dismissal in the fourthtest.