Former New Zealand cricketer Lou Vincent has admitted that he has "abused" his position as a cricketer by getting involved in match-fixing.
The 35-year-old is expected to be handed a lifetime ban from the sport after he was hit with a corruption charge by the England and Wales Cricket Board.
The former Sussex player was charged with 14 offences relating to county matches, which include a Twenty20 encounter between Sussex and Lancashire, as well as a 40-over game between Sussex and Kent in August 2011.
On Tuesday, Vincent released a statement saying: "My name is Lou Vincent and I am a cheat. I have abused my position as a professional sportsman on a number of occasions by choosing to accept money through fixing.
"I have lived with this dark secret for many years, but just months ago I reached the point where I decided I had to come forward and tell the truth. It's a truth that has rightly caused uproar and controversy in New Zealand and around the world.
"I have shamed my country. I have shamed my sport. I have shamed those close to me. For that I am not proud. I lost faith in myself, in the game, I abused the game I loved. I had to put things right.
"Speaking out, exposing the truth, laying bare the things I have done wrong, is the only way I could find to begin to put things right. The time has come for me now to face them like a man and accept the consequences - whatever they may be."
Vincent added that he accepts responsibility for his wrongdoings, despite suffering from depression, and is hopeful that his admission will convince other cricketers to avoid getting involved in similar activity.
Danielle Joynson
