David Warner has come under fire after sharing a social media post that appeared to make light of his recent drink-driving charge. The cricketer posted an Instagram Story this week showing him seated in a car alongside his daughter, with the caption: 'My DD for the day' — using 'DD' to refer to 'designated driver'.
Victims' Advocates Condemn the Joke
The lighthearted post did not sit well with victims' advocates, especially given Warner's charge for drink-driving on April 5. Ian Luff, founder of Drive to Survive, told the Daily Telegraph that public figures have a responsibility to treat such matters seriously. 'People look up to high-profile sportspeople and have an expectation that their behaviour sets an example,' Luff said. 'People need a wake-up call and public figures should be setting a better example, not dismissing it.'
Howard Brown, another victims' advocate, expressed outrage: 'We're trying to save people's lives and he is thinking the whole thing is a great joke.'
Details of the Charge
Police reported that Warner returned a positive alcohol result after a roadside test in Sydney's east on April 5. At Maroubra Police Station, a secondary test allegedly showed a blood alcohol reading of 0.104 — more than double the legal limit. The former Australian Test opener and current Sydney Thunder Big Bash captain was charged with mid-range drink driving.
Warner has not yet entered a plea, but his lawyer Bobby Hill indicated a guilty plea may be entered later. 'He knows what he did was wrong,' Hill said outside court on May 7. 'He accepts that was a reckless decision, a foolish decision to get in his car instead of taking an Uber.'
Hill explained that Warner had three glasses of wine at a friend's apartment before driving. 'It's not a crime to have a glass of wine on the day of the Lord's resurrection. In fact, some would consider that completely appropriate,' Hill told reporters. 'His crime is choosing a foolish plan A instead of a plan B.'
Hill also noted that Warner's last drink was just 11 minutes before he was pulled over, and police allegedly took 52 minutes to administer the second breathalyser. The cricket star is remorseful, Hill said, and will ask for leniency but expects to be punished like any other NSW citizen.
Warner is due back in court on June 24.
