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Michael Clarke facing thousands in losses as police probe ugly clash

The former Test captain's lucrative sponsorship deals and a commentary gig worth thousands are at risk of being canned.

Former Test captain Michael Clarke is pictured.
Michael Clarke is at risk of losing a lucrative commentary job for Australia's upcoming tour of India after a video of a nasty public altercation with his girlfriend went public. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Michael Clarke is at risk of losing a lucrative commentary gig in the wake of his ugly public public spat with girlfriend Jade Yarborough earlier this week. Footage of the incident, filmed in a public park in Noosa, showed the pair accompanied by Today show host Karl Stefanovic and his wife, Jasmine Yarborough.

The former Australian Test captain was accused of cheating on Ms Yarborough, who slapped him multiple times during the exchange as Clarke repeatedly denied her accusations. Ms Yarbrough can be heard accusing Clarke of cheating on her, allegedly with his ex-girlfriend Pip Edwards. She yells: “You f**ked her on December 17 … You f**ked her, you’re a f**king dog."

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Clarke has since issued an apology over the incident, describing his actions as 'shameful and regrettable' in a statement to Newscorp. The incident reportedly took place on January 10.

The ugly public spat has lead to some serious consequences for Clarke, with the BCCI reportedly reviewing the 41-year-old place on the commentary team for Australia's upcoming tour of India. If they opt against including him, the would reportedly cost Clarke as much as $145,000.

A prospective sponsorship deal with an unnamed skincare company was reportedly canned within hours of the video going public on Wednesday evening. Queensland Police have since stated that they are investigating the matter.

Other major brands Clarke is associated with, including R.M. Williams, watchmaker Hublot, and marine importer Ribco, have not commented on the scandal. Clarke has also been assured of his position as host of Sky Racing's Big Sports Breakfast, with parent company Tabcorp standing by the embattled former cricketer.

Stefanovic appeared in his regular role as co-host of Channel 9's Today Show on Thursday morning. He didn't address the matter.

Clarke and Jade Yarbrough have been together since August, while Stefanovic has been married to Jasmine Yarbrough since 2018. Clarke was reportedly introduced to Jade by Stefanovic, who split with first wife Cassandra Thorburn in 2017.

Clarke briefly dated Edwards, a fashion designer, after his divorce with wife Kyly in 2020. Edwards said in a statement on Thursday: “This is not my circus. Yet again, Michael in his true nature has not taken responsibility for his actions and I was blatantly lied to.”

Michael Clarke and Jade Yarbrough, pictured here in Sydney in November.
Michael Clarke and Jade Yarbrough in Sydney in November. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images) (Lisa Maree Williams via Getty Images)

Michael Clarke, Karl Stefanovic filmed in ugly Noosa confrontation

Ms Yarbrough appears to hit Clarke a number of times throughout the video. “Do it again, hit me. You’re wrong," he says. Clarke can be heard addressing Channel 9 presenter Stefanovic towards the end of the video, saying: "Carlos, don't you f***ing walk away."

Addressing the incident on Wednesday night, Clarke told the Telegraph: “My actions in the lead-up to this altercation were nothing short of shameful and regrettable. I accept full responsibility for this altercation and am shattered by my actions”.

Clarke and Jade Yarbrough have been together since August, while Stefanovic has been married to Jasmine Yarbrough since 2018. Clarke was reportedly introduced to Jade by Stefanovic, who split with first wife Cassandra Thorburn in 2017.

Clarke briefly dated Edwards, a fashion designer, after his divorce with wife Kyly in 2020. Edwards said in a statement on Thursday: “This is not my circus. Yet again, Michael in his true nature has not taken responsibility for his actions and I was blatantly lied to.”

Clarke is a former captain of the Australian cricket team. He played 115 Test matches and 245 one-day internationals for his country and is widely regarded as one of Australia's greatest batters.

The 41-year-old scored 8643 runs at Test level at an average of 49.10, as well as 7981 runs in ODIs at 44.58. His 8643 runs at Test level are the fifth-most by an Australian in history after he was recently overtaken by Steve Smith.

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