Botham says he will sue

Press, 2 July 1986, Page 68

Botham says he will sue

NZPA London lan Botham said yesterday he would sue the person who taped and sold his attack on the England test selectors. “My solicitors are looking at it and I will< find out who did It,” declared the cricket star, who is at present serving a two-month suspension from the game after admitting smoking cannabis. He said he saw no reason to apologise for his outburst in which he branded the selectors as “gln-swilllng old dodderers,” repeating: “It was in jest, and I hope it will be accepted as being in this way. “My only regret is that someone should feel they • can bug a private function and sell it for their own personal gain. “When I do find out ' who was responsible, I will probably see them in court,” said Botham. “It was emphasised at the time it was a fundraising thing. It was a stag night, a fun thing. “Everything was said in jest. Everyone was having a good laugh. I took the mickey out of, myself as well as every-’ one else.” Asked if he thought his remarks at a Manchester dinner on Saturday would affect his cricket future, he replied: “I can’t see why. I have nothing to hide. I am not worried — I can’t see that I should be. No insult was intended. “If you are picked up for every comment you make in jest, there is no freedom in this world. They will be bugging my bedroom next,” said Botham. ' ’’ r\ ■.