Snooker star White speaks out after drugs arrest

SNOOKER legend Jimmy White has insisted he would never do anything that brought his sport into disrepute after being arrested on suspicion of possessing a Class A drug.

White, aged 41, was arrested in the early hours of Wednesday morning at the Holiday Inn in Preston, Lancashire, having been in the city to play an exhibition match at the Guildhall.

The six-times World Championship runner-up was questioned by Lancashire Police on suspicion of possessing a class A drug and released on police bail until April 21.

He had been staying at the hotel with snooker legend Alex Higgins, who was not arrested.

In a statement released through his promoter, White said he would never become involved in any activity that brought the sport into disrepute.

The statement said: “Jimmy White would in no way jeopardise his career, or be involved in any activity whatsoever that may bring the sport of snooker into disrepute, especially in the light of his recent match successes and his current tour with Alex “Hurricane” Higgins.

He has no further comment to make and the matter is in the hands of his solicitor.”

Police were called to the hotel after reports of substances being smoked and a disturbance.

A spokeswoman for Lancashire Constabulary said a substance had been recovered and tests would be carried out to find out exactly what it was.

A spokeswoman for the World Professional Snooker and Billiards Association refused to comment on whether the arrest would affect White’s chances of competing in the World Championships at the end of April.

It is thought White, a father of five, may be heading to his home in Surrey.