John Paintsil: I�m Sorry For Falsely Accusing All The Media Houses

Ghana defender and deputy Black Stars captain John Pantsil has rendered an unqualified apology to the Ghanaian media for some accusations he made during an interview with an Israeli media house that some journalists are been paid to kill his football career. The Ghanaian international was arrested by the Police some weeks ago in Ghana for allegedly assaulting his wife, Mrs. Richlove Panstil, after an argument broke out and also for beating up a neighbour who intervened. According to Pantsil, he regrets using some obscene words during his interview but was forced to do so due to lack of professionalism in reportage throughout his arrest and subsequent release, by some journalists in Ghana. �The reason why I said that was because; I don�t think some of the journalists research before they write�I was a bit upset so I did not consider my choice of words during the interview. I heard some were saying I was attacking all Ghanaian media but that wasn�t the fact. I was reacting to the unprofessional journalists who don�t find the time to research before they report,� he explained. The Hapoel Tel Aviv player further said that he is a role model to many up and coming footballers so if false publications are circulating about him it will discourage these young players. �For where I am now with my football career, I know there are lots of young ones who are looking up to me, so if a journalist publish something false against me, or claim I have stabbed my wife which is false, these young players would be disappointed in me, not them alone but numerous fans who know I am not ferocious. �For me if journalists publish that I am not skillful and not a good footballer, I will understand because it�s part of our job. But my family matters and my private life if fabricated to tarnish my reputation will not be accepted since many are looking up to me. What I am saying is that, journalists should not be in a haste to report matters which are not true just because they want to be the first to report. Sit down and investigate before you publish and don�t wait to tarnish my reputation before you regret,� he advised. The former Fulham player in an interview with Accra-based Adom FM apologized to the Ghanaian media for causing any inconveniences but warned those journalists who he claims have been paid to tarnish his reputation to deceit from their evil deeds. �If what I said during my interview in Israel has affected some of the journalists, I am truly sorry. I will say sorry to those who are not involved. But those who are involved I don�t think I can say sorry to them because they have lied. I would have been in prison because of their words. It�s shocking I heard in the news that I wanted to commit suicide, I stabbed my wife and my club has terminated my contract. All this is not true. If I wanted to sue these journalists, they would appear in court without any prove or evidence, but this is not important to me. �..I am deeply sorry about that,� he apologized