Former Wales and Lions rugby star Andy Powell has issued a public apology after becoming embroiled in a row with the wife of Gareth Anscombe following comments he made in the wake of Ryan Jones' dementia diagnosis.
Powell sparked anger on Twitter following Jones' devastating news on Saturday night, by stating: "We choose to play the game. We know the problems what (sic) can happen!! Problems happen even if you don’t play sport."
Among those to take issue with Powell was Milica Anscombe, who responded by saying: "Someone got your phone again? Horrendously insensitive tweet. Would you say cancer patients know what they got into by exposing themselves to the sun?"
Powell accused Mrs Anscombe of twisting the sentiment of his words, and she later published private messages he sent her following the spat, which read as follows: "Why are you getting involved? Twisting the whole situation. If you've got something to say, let's meet up and then say it. Let's meet up and then I can see you are all chops on social media."
Sharing the messages, she said: "I've already got one toddler and a newborn... to say I don’t have time for a third child is an understatement."
The row erupted after former Wales captain Jones revealed he has been diagnosed with early onset dementia and probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). He described how his world was "falling apart" in an emotional interview with The Sunday Times.
Now, Powell has issued a lengthy public statement, claiming he thought he was speaking to Wales outside-half Gareth, not his wife. He also moved to try and clarify his comments around the issue of brain injuries. He said: "It is extremely frustrating how an opinion on Twitter can be twisted in ways see fit (sic). Anyone who knows me knows I am not a malicious person. Far from it! Maybe I don't think things through and can seem insensitive but I am not malicious!
"I am sorry about messaging Anscombe. I thought it was Gareth. It was late, I'd had a great weekend and I thought it was a former team-mate stirring crap and hiding behind a screen rather than talking to me directly. Apologies.
"Anyway, my tweet wasn't directed at Ryan and I now understand how it came across insensitive. From having played with Ryan in the past, he is a truly remarkable guy. It is extremely upsetting to hear Ryan has dementia and I show admiration for him speaking up about his condition. I really wish him well and all the support.
"I am super sorry for any offence caused by my tweet. It was a generalisation on ALL contact sport as a whole. As a former professional we are aware of risks and take out insurance for risks. We had training day in day out, but I guess until it happens, you think that won't happen to me. Nowadays, it's become a reality and feeling invincible is not the reality.
"I agree that more needs to be done in all contact sport and that's at all levels of contact sport. As a rugby coach it is extremely important that my players are protected and can enjoy playing the game safely."
Last month, Powell hit back at former international team-mate Alex Cuthbert, accusing him of being a “hypocrite” after the Wales wing claimed Powell had given him “quite a bit of s***” after the 2015 World Cup, resulting in him wiping his hands of the former No. 8. You can read his comments in full here.
Speaking about Cuthbert, he said: “I always thought he was a good lad and wasn’t such a hypocrite. But to make an accusation that I would say anything about him or about anyone just to say something ‘stupid’ and get paid is defamatory.
“During that period, I believed Alex was playing badly (probably the worst he ever had done) and it was blatant. Some comments were critical, banter and my opinions. I thought Alex had a sense of humour and I am sorry that he had taken any comments so personally.
“But during that period, I believed there were better players out there that would have done a better job. And I certainly wasn’t the only one to think so.
“I have made some incredible friends throughout my career and after. If someone asks me for my opinion, I will give it. Those that ask for my opinion tend to ask me because I am going to be honest and straight-talking.
“As a professional sports person you can either let the negative comments defeat you or you take it constructively, laugh, wise up, improve and move on. It is sad that Alex hasn’t done the latter. I wish him all the best.”
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