Michael Diamond breaks silence after drink-driving charge
Gold medalist Michael Diamond gave a thumbs up to reporters as he assured his seventh Olympic dream was not over, days after he was allegedly caught drink-driving and illegally carrying a shotgun.
Diamond was arrested on Saturday night after he was allegedly found standing beside his car in Shoal Bay, NSW, with a gun and a cache of bullets inside.
News Corp reported Diamond allegedly refused a roadside breath test and was taken to a nearby police station, where he was reportedly found to have a blood-alcohol reading of 0.159, three times the limit.
On Monday Diamond offered little more than a ‘thumbs up’ and apologies after being ‘advised not to talk’ about the charges.
Diamond told 7 News has said his seventh Olympic dream is not over, despite the allegations.
“I’m not sure… absolutely not,” he told 7 News on Monday.
When asked if he was carrying a shotgun ‘improperly’ he responded with ‘I can’t tell you’.
When asked if he was driving drunk he said: “You’ll have to speak to my lawyers, sorry I don’t mean to be rude.”
Police charged the 44-year-old with high range drink driving, handling a firearm while under the influence and not keeping his weapon in a secure location.
Diamond had allegedly been in a dispute with his brother John earlier in the night.
The next day his sibling sought a restraining order.
He was granted bail and is expected to have his case heard in court in June.
Diamond is a dual gold medalist who represented Australia in 1996 and 2000.
In a statement Shooting Australia said it would not be making comment on Diamond until it had all the facts.
"At this stage SA is still trying to ascertain all of the information relating to these allegations," the statement read.
"We can confirm that Shooting Australia is working closely with Michael to support him and to ensure that his welfare is protected.
"We are also communicating regularly with the Australian Olympic Committee and our other stakeholders, and we will continue to do so."
Shooting Australia did not take a position on whether they would support Diamond's Olympic bid, but they would continue to communicate "regularly with the Australian Olympic Committee and our other stakeholders".
Earlier this year Diamond faced controversy when he launched an online tirade against two of his competitors.
Diamond has been shortlisted for the Rio Olympic Games in August.
It was reported Diamond was issued a warning by police months ago, after telling a group of partygoers to turn their music down with a shotgun in hand.
