19 Apr 2013

Cricket captain to sue player

9:30 pm on 19 April 2013

Lawyers for New Zealand cricket captain Brendon McCullum are filing defamation papers against former Black Caps cricketer John Parker.

McCullum's representatives say John Parker, who captained the Black Caps for one test match, was the author of a document called 'The Taylor Affair,' which they say makes false and highly damaging claims about McCullum's reputation.

The claims centre around McCullum allegedly being aware ahead of time that national coach Mike Hesson was going to sack McCullum's predecessor, Ross Taylor.

Brendon McCullum said Parker's document makes serious attacks on his integrity and honesty and he has been left with no option but to take legal action.

He said he wants John Parker to acknowledge the claims are false, but is not seeking monetary damages.

His lawyer Garth Gallaway said on Friday that McCullum gave Parker two weeks to issue an apology, but decided to file for defamation after no response and is determined to restore his reputation.

The proceedings will be filed early next week in the Hamilton High Court.

Meanwhile, Black Caps coach Mike Hesson said he has sought legal advice about Parker's claims but has not confirmed whether he will be filing for defamation.

John Parker could not be contacted for comment on Friday.