Alex Hales apologises for 2009 blackface photo: "I realise this is incredibly disrespectful"

The Nottinghamshire batsman defended himself by saying he was not aware at the time of the offence that would be caused

Alex Hales has apologised after a picture of him in blackface from 2009 and was revealed by UK media.

The Sun reported on Thursday that Hales attended a New Year's Eve party 12 years ago dressed up as his music hero Tupac Shakur.

The Nottinghamshire batsman defended himself by saying he was not aware at the time of the offence that would be caused.

In a video statement, initially released on his Instagram platform, Hales said: "I obviously realise that this is incredibly disrespectful and I want to apologise for the offence that this has no doubt caused.

"It was incredibly reckless and foolish on my behalf and so I want to apologise for that, apologise to the club for the embarrassment it would have caused them.

"My 20s was full of mistakes like that. Reckless mistakes off the field that let down family, let down teammates, let down friends.

"Some of those decisions I will regret for the rest of my life."

Earlier this week, Hales was accused by Azeem Rafiq of naming his dog after a racially derogatory term.

England player Alex Hales pictured in blackface - bringing more shame on cricket https://t.co/HmBvnxUp2t

— The Sun (@TheSun) November 18, 2021

Rafiq claimed that the black labrador Kevin was so called because of the dressing-room habit among some cricketers of calling foreign or ethnic players Kevin. 

Hales denies that allegation, which is being investigated by the ECB and Nottinghamshire.

Nottinghamshire have extended that investigation as a result of the blackface photo coming to light.

In a statement on Friday, the club said: "Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club have extended the scope of their investigation into the historic conduct of Alex Hales following the publication of a photograph taken in 2009.

"Alex is currently in Australia ahead of the Big Bash League and is due to return to Nottinghamshire in the new year to prepare for his commitment to the club in the T20 Blast.

"Alex will be subject to the club’s established disciplinary process and has indicated his willingness to participate in the investigation.

"He has posted a further personal statement and public apology via his Instagram account."

^{Alex Hales has apologised for wearing blackface in 2009}

Hales has a past littered with controversy, including his removal from the England World Cup squad on the eve of the 2019 tournament following two failed recreational drugs tests, and a fine for his part in the 2018 fight outside a Bristol nightclub which also involved Ben Stokes. 

The ECB told The Sun that there are "procedures in place to address conduct and allegations of this nature and we will investigate accordingly".

The Cricketer understands this is not the first time this year that the governing body, which is itself under immense scrutiny for its handling of Yorkshire's botched investigation into Rafiq's allegations, has had to investigate an international cricketer over a blackface photo.

A complaint was received about another prominent player in April, over an Instagram post from 2013 in which the individual wore blackface while dressing up as the Jamaican bobsleigh team from the 1988 Winter Olympics and subsequent film 'Cool Runnings'. 

That player, whom The Cricketer has decided not to name, was reminded of their responsibilities as a role model, apologised and deleted the picture. No further punitive action was taken.