Shane Warne ‘never’ blamed mother Brigitte for drugs ban

Shane Warne was suspended for 12 months back in 2003 after testing positive for banned diuretic drugs. 

The Australian cricket icon was innocently given a slimming pill by his mother Brigitte Warne, to help with his high blood pressure and assist in weight loss. 

And speaking to The Daily Telegraph on Sunday, the 50-year-old said he ‘never, ever’ blamed his mother for the suspension, describing her as his ‘hero’.

‘She is just a wonderful human being. My mum is my hero,’ Shane said, ahead of his new six-part Fox Sport Series, detailing his life on and off the cricket pitch.   

The father-of-three also reflected on his 2003 drugs ban, that saw him suspended from professional cricket for 12 months. 

‘We did talk about 2003, me missing a year, and what a tough time it was for mum, and all of the family,’ he said.

Suspension: The Australian cricket icon (pictured in January, 2003) was innocently given a slimming pill by his mother, to help with his high blood pressure and assist in weight loss 

‘It was one of those moments, where it was just so innocent, to end up being such a big thing was a real shame. I never, ever blamed my mum.’

Shane went on to describe Brigitte as the greatest supporter in his career. 

At the time of the 2003 scandal, Shane said: ‘I feel I am the victim of the anti-doping hysteria. I also want to repeat: I have never taken any performance enhancing drugs and I never will.

Family: Ahead of his six-part docuseries, Shane told The Daily Telegraph on Sunday that he ‘never, ever’ blamed his mother for the drugs ban. Brigitte is pictured in February, 2004

‘I have never blamed my mum. I thought it was important to clarify where the tablet came from. 

‘It [taking the drug] had nothing to do with cricket or trying to mask anything. It had to do with appearance.’ 

A new six-part Fox Sports Series, A Week With Warnie, premiering Monday May 11, will focus on the King of Spin’s life.

Stance: At the time of the 2003 scandal, Shane (pictured in February, 2003) said: ‘I feel I am the victim of the anti-doping hysteria. I also want to repeat: I have never taken any performance enhancing drugs and I never will’ 

In the series, he also looks back fondly on his high-profile relationship with UK actress Elizabeth Hurley, 54. 

The pair enjoyed a PDA-filled romance between 2010 and 2013.

Shane admitted in one episode: ‘[I’m] quite sad it’s over because I still care about her deeply and she’s a wonderful person.’

Former flame: In the Fox Sports series, Shane also looks back fondly on his high-profile relationship with UK actress Elizabeth Hurley (pictured), 54 

During the series, Shane also recalled the publicity ‘circus’ that was outside his Melbourne home when Liz came to visit him six months into their relationship.   

‘I suppose it was the sporting world meeting her world… It was one of those things where we just collided,’ he said.

‘So six months down the track she finally comes to meet the children in Australia and it was an absolute circus. I mean, the next door neighbour’s kids were selling cordial for a buck out the front!’ 

A Week With Warnie premieres Monday May 11 at 8pm on Fox Cricket.   

Reflection: Shane admitted in one episode: ‘[I’m] quite sad it’s over because I still care about her deeply and she’s a wonderful person’