Bad boy Bernard Tomic has laughed off his early-morning arrest in Miami but Tennis Australia are struggling to see the funny side of the incident.
Tomic was taken into custody after failing to follow police orders to leave his $A9400-a-night hotel penthouse following a series of complaints about loud music and partying.
The 22-year-old was charged with resisting an officer without violence and trespassing, and was shirtless in the mugshot released by Miami Beach police.
Upon his release on bail, Tomic apologised and accepted blame.
“It was definitely my fault from what happened,” he told Fox Sports.
“I was asleep at several occasions when they complained at first but it was just a noise complaint. And like I said, I’m sorry for the police and the disturbance I caused.”
Tomic admitted to slamming the door in the face of hotel security officers, who witnesses said went to the penthouse three times in an attempt to end the noise.
“Yeah, because I told them that I wasn’t playing the music too loud and he was unhappy with the volumes,” Tomic said.
“So I asked him to come in and we negotiated the volume and he still wasn’t happy when he came back the second time.
“So when he came back I was just disappointed to see police there and I said, ‘Can I have a little bit more time to collect my stuff?’ And unfortunately they didn’t give me enough time.
“I’m just happy I got out and no one got hurt.”
When asked by CBS what message he had for the kids, Tomic joked: “Don’t play loud music or you’ll go to TGK (Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Centre).”
The arrest continues a tumultuous fortnight for Tomic, who was kicked off Australia’s Davis Cup team after unleashing a verbal tirade against TA officials, including president Steve Healy and director of player performance Pat Rafter.
Rafter hopes the arrest could mark a turning point for Tomic.
“I’ve had a strange relationship (with Tomic),” Rafter told 2GB.
“But I’ve always seen there’s been a really good upside with Bernie as well so and I always keep the door open for Bernard to come back and have a chat.
“It looks like overnight he’s probably hit rock bottom, so hopefully when people hit rock bottom they can turn things around.”
Healy said TA would reach out to Tomic in a bid to help him reach his potential.
“We are very worried about Bernard, it certainly is a very sad situation,” Healy told Melbourne radio station 3AW.
“We hope this is a turning point in the road for him and that he realises the error of his ways and makes some changes.
“He’s a real talent and it’s just a shame that talent is being wasted.”
Davis Cup captain Wally Masur said he will also reach out to Tomic.
