`Through this case, I intend not only to defend my integrity and my image as an international cricketer but also the values I have defended all my career’
SYDNEY, Australia, CMC-West Indies middle order batsman Marlon Samuels has slapped former Australian fast bowler Geoff Lawson with a lawsuit for accusing him of being involved with criminal gangs in Jamaica.
Lawson’s comments, described in Samuel’s statement as “erroneous, malicious and unjustifiable”, were made on a radio podcast a day after the Jamaican led West Indies to their second World T20 title in India.
Samuels was quoted as saying Lawson’s comments were not just defamatory but also deeply offensive and damaging to his character.
“Through this case, I intend not only to defend my integrity and my image as an international cricketer but also the values I have defended all my career,” Samuels is quoted as saying. “I also wish to avoid any public figure from making insulting or false allegations against an athlete using the media, without any evidence or foundation and to go unpunished.” Samuels’ lawsuit includes journalist James Matthey, who published a news story on the website news.com.au, also accusing him of being involved with criminal gangs in Jamaica. The website and Big Sports Breakfast, which aired the podcast, have also been sued for defamation.
“Samuels has no criminal record nor has been the subject of any criminal investigations,” the statement said. “The comments were published and aired with the absence of conducting proper journalist research, nor where Samuels contacted to give his views on the damaging remarks about his character”.
