Tottenham defender apologizes for legally getting high
By Mike Dyce
Sep 5, 2013; San Jose, COSTA RICA; General view of Nike soccer balls at United States training session at Estadio Nacional in advance of the FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Costa Rica. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
English Tottenham defender Kyle Walker is dealing with backlash from photographs published in the Sunday Mirror newspaper. The pictures showed Walker inhaling nitrous oxide to get high from a ballon. It is also known as laughing gas and is a legal drug that has become popular.
The “high” brings about light-headedness and feelings of euphoria but also presents risks related to the deprivation of oxygen, most notably unconsciousness and in extreme cases, death.
He is now apologizing for his actions in a statement to the Daily Mail.
“I have now been made aware of the health risks associated with the practice and accept that my actions were of poor judgment,” Walker said. “I hope this will in no way influence or encourage others into putting their own health at risk.”
Apologies for not commenting sooner on a story about me today. I've been training and am focussed on Tuesday's game for England
— Kyle Walker (@kylewalker2) September 8, 2013
Now I know the health risks, it was poor judgement on my part.
— Kyle Walker (@kylewalker2) September 8, 2013
I won't be doing this again and hope that no one else is influenced into putting their health at risk by my actions.
— Kyle Walker (@kylewalker2) September 8, 2013
The FA said that Walker will not face a punishment.
“Kyle Walker has expressed his regret for an error of judgement when inhaling Nitrous Oxide earlier this year,” a statement from the FA read. “The FA and the England manager have spoken to Kyle about the matter and he has assured us it will not happen again.”
“Inhaling Nitrous Oxide is not illegal, but we recognise the associated dangers. Kyle has accepted this mistake. He will not face any action under the England Player Code of Conduct.
“The FA and England manager will not be making any further comment on this matter and will be focusing their full attention on Tuesday’s match with Ukraine.”