Police to probe Aust, media bribes scandal

Press, 19 February 1983, Page 12

Police to probe Aust, media bribes scandal

NZPA Sydney The New South Wales Police Commissioner, Mr Cecil Abbott, has been ordered to investigate an alleged bribery scandal involving Sydney sports commentators. The New South Wales Minister of Police. Mr Peter Anderson, started the investigation into the alleged payoffs and bribery, saying that they would appear to be in contravention of the Secret Commissions Prohibition Act.

“If nothing else, an investigation will help to clear the air,” he said. “Continued allegations without proper investigation could unfairly taint all sporting identities.” Two of Sydney’s leading sports commentators, Ray Warren, of Channel 10, and Ron Casey, formerly of

Channel 9. have confirmed that they had been offered money in return for increased exposure of minor sports. Both Mr Casey and Mr Warren confirmed that bribes were offered to, and accepted by, some sections of the news media in return for publicity for minor sports, sports promotions, and personalities. A sports commentator, Rex Mossop. of Channel 7, dismissed the allegations as innuendo and rumours drummed up by the news media. He said that only a very small percentage of’the news media was open to bribery, and said the amount of money involved was “peanuts."’ Mr Warren said that he had been approached, but had rejected the offers.