St Bede rowers Jordan Kennedy and Jack Bell have released a statement about their antics at Auckland Airport. you can read it below:

Jordan Kennedy and Jack Bell wish to make it clear that they are very remorseful for their actions at Auckland Airport on Friday 20 March 2015.

Rowing Row: Boys sorry for 'stupid actions'

They accept that what they did was stupid. No harm was meant and it was intended as nothing more than a prank.

However, they do understand the potential consequences of their actions. They immediately apologised to both the Police and Airport Security for their actions at the time.

Jordan and Jack and their families want to make it very clear that the Court action undertaken was never intended to justify or excuse their actions at Auckland Airport or to suggest that St Bede’s College is not entitled to take appropriate disciplinary action in relation to their behaviour.

The only reason for the Court action was due to concerns over the school’s decision making process and over whether or not the decision as made was proportionate to the misbehaviour. The Court action was certainly not taken lightly.

Jordan and Jack and their families are very relieved at the Court’s decision and they are grateful for the opportunity to now compete at the regatta. The boys (along with their crew mates) have trained extremely hard since October last year for this regatta and they are very grateful that they will now have the opportunity to compete at the pinnacle event for New Zealand secondary school rowing.

All parties are aware that following a full and fair investigation about the incident that there may well be disciplinary consequences. They understand this and will support the school in relation to disciplining the boys as and when appropriate. They look forward to working through that process with the school and they have contacted the Rector to discuss the various relationships involved.

Shane Kennedy wishes to confirm that he stood down from his role as chairman of the St Bede’s Rowing Club on Sunday 22 March 2015 when it became clear that Court proceedings would need to be commenced. It was obviously not appropriate for him to remain in that role with the current Court proceedings.

In the meantime, Jordan and Jack will now concentrate on the regatta and seek to prove to their crew mates, the school community and the public at large through their rowing and their behaviour now and in the future that the chance that they have been given is justified.

Jordan, Jack and their families are grateful for the various messages of support that they have received from numerous people around the country. They appreciate that this is a topic of great public interest.

Jordan, Jack and their families will be making no further comment, thus allowing the boys and their crews to concentrate fully on the regatta and races ahead.