Former Australian Test cricketer Stuart MacGill has admitted a “lapse of judgement” in introducing his drug dealer to his partner’s brother, Marino Sotiropoulos – an action that led to a $330,000 cocaine deal and his eventual conviction for taking part in drug supply.
In his first interview since being found guilty by a Sydney court, MacGill told the Howie Games podcast that he didn’t realise the introduction itself was an offence.
“I never denied introducing them. And so I know I have made a fatal mistake there,” he said.
The meeting in a restaurant car park led to multiple drug deals, though MacGill maintains he received “no money, no drugs. No benefit whatsoever out of it.”
MacGill was found guilty of taking part in drug supply, though acquitted of being involved in a “major commercial” operation.
“The courts found I was involved to a greater degree than I believe … that’s a difference of opinion,” he said.
The court also heard MacGill had spent between $400 and $800 a week on cocaine, but he rejected claims of addiction, attributing his use to high anxiety and excessive drinking.
“People say you are an addict. That’s just wrong. Doesn’t apply to me,” he said.
Sentenced to 495 hours of community service, the 54-year-old described it as “hard work,” but said he is committed to completing it.
“I look at each day as if it is a challenge… I genuinely think most people should do community service in any case,” he said.
After years of isolation during legal proceedings, MacGill is now looking to rebuild his life through coaching and employment.
“I don’t want people to think I am a bad person… Nothing I have ever done was designed to hurt anybody else. It may have hurt me but I’ve never tried to impact negatively on anyone else… apart from batsmen.”
Source: Daily Telegraph.
