AT one point I thought Andrew Freddie' Flintoff must have killed someone this week.

I've read his name each time I've turned over a page in the national papers - front or back end.

He's attracted hundreds of thousands of hits, possibly millions, on internet sites around the world.

And I've heard his name each time I've switched on the television or radio.

It must be something pretty damn serious for the extraordinary vast amount of attention he's getting, I thought.

I'm aware cricket can occasionally knock football off the main headlines around World Cup time but this seems to be particularly early in the tournament, I thought.

Of course, as we all now know because we've had it rammed down our throats with every turn of our heads, England's highest profile cricketer has been hung, drawn and quartered because he stayed out late, had some drinks and allegedly got up to some tomfoolery with a pedalo after the national team's opening loss to New Zealand, less than 48 hours before the next game against Canada.

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not condoning his actions and I do feel as though he has let himself down, as well as the team, his family, friends and supporters.

As a professional sportsman who is in the Caribbean to do a job, which is to bring the World Cup home with him, he has acted in an entirely inappropriate way.

Because of his profile, Freddie' is an ambassador for English sport. He is a role model not only to younger players in the England squad, but to the legions of fans who took him to their hearts when he led his country to sensational Ashes glory against Australia in 2005.

And on top of that, he can't be preparing himself for action in the best way if he's not staying off alcohol and getting enough sleep.

Quite rightly, he has been disciplined by the England chiefs for losing his focus. He was dropped from the Canada game and lost the honour of being the national side's vice captain.

Flintoff, looking sheepish and embarrassed on television, has apologised to the nation for his actions and accepted he was wrong.

That should be the end of it. He should now be allowed to put it all behind him and get on with the job he is renowned for - skittling batsmen and whacking bowlers all over the park.

But the media seem to have it in for him, they've got their teeth into him like a mad dog and appear unwilling to let go.

Every Tom, Dick and Harry is having their say and I've heard it said that he should be sent home.

Well, I take a different stance.

I want Freddie to accept this week's events as a kick up the backside and turn all the negatives into bringing out the best of his abilities.

With Flintoff firing on all cylinders England can go a long way in this competition.

I just hope he's given as many column inches and just as much airplay when he jets home to Lancashire with the World Cup tucked under his arm.



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