Newton shame at drugs ban
West Ham midfielder Shaun Newton has expressed his regret at taking cocaine.
West Ham midfielder Shaun Newton has expressed his regret at the incident which led to his seven-month ban from football.The 30-year-old tested positive for cocaine following The Hammers' FA Cup semi-final with Middlesbrough on April 23.
He has insisted that it was one-off brought on by a bout of depression, but accepts that he has nobody to blame for his punishment but himself.
"I want to stress it was an isolated incident," he told The Daily Mirror.
"I was going through a difficult time personally and I know it was a stupid thing to do.
"I do not want people to think this is something I condone or encourage. I've let my family down, the club and the fans.
"I was at home when I heard the results of the test. I was gutted. It is only then that it hits you. The reality of what you have done. You know the repercussions.
"You know the shame of it and the fact that it was all down to something you have done."
Newton will now not be allowed to return to competitive football until early next year, and he is devastated that he cannot play.
"It is now hitting me hard because I am out of football. I am out of The Premiership," he remarked.
"I will not be able to play for the club in Europe when we have worked so hard to get there.
"At the moment I feel so down. The fact that I could now lose what I have worked for over such a long period of time is a real worry for me.
"It's all in the board's hands at the moment and I have to just wait to see what they decide.
"I hope that my experience will act as a deterrent to others."
