Geoff Lawson to pay substantial damages to Marlon Samuels in defamation case

Making bold statements, which are often a subject of criticism, is what former Australian cricketers are up to these days and Geoff Lawson will be the one paying the brunt of it. Lawson along with broadcaster 2KY has agreed to ‘settle’ an ongoing defamation case which was filed against them by star West Indies batsman Marlon Samuels last year. Apart from paying the ‘substantial damages amount’, they also will be issuing an apology on air to Marlon Samuels.

According to The Indian Express, the apology will be issued on air at a time agreed by both parties.

The defamation case was filed last year in July by Samuels when Lawson made derogatory and unjustified slander comments about the batsman during a radio show on April 4, 2016. Lawson was caught on air saying that Samuels is from Jamaica and ‘is tied up with gangs there’; the following day of West Indies second World T20 win which was led by the swash-buckling batsman’s 85 not out.

“He’s tied up with some shady people back in the West Indies….he’s a guy you don’t muck around with on or off the field. He’s from Kingston, Jamaica, it’s one of the murder capitals of the world…he’s tied up with gangs there, it goes well beyond cricket,” Lawson was quoted as having said during a radio podcast in the statement.

Samuels had hired a London-based lawyer, Suzette Thompson, to take this suite forward. “These comments were published and aired without proper journalist research, nor was Samuels contacted to give his views on the damaging remarks about his character. We are delighted that Lawson and the Big Sports Breakfast radio have now settled and are issuing a full apology and agreed to pay substantial damages to Marlon.” Thompson said.

Samuels defended himself for filing a suit against both parties as he believed that his integrity and image as a cricketer was compromised.

“Through this case, my intention was not only to defend my integrity and image as an international cricketer, but also the values I have defended all my career. 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” said the 2-time World Champion, Samuels.

Samuels has been a no-nonsense cricketer. He takes pride in his performances and loves playing for the West Indies. The 36-year old was a crucial contributor in West Indies’ two World T20 wins in 2012 and 2016. He has always made bold statements in the media in response to the criticism by any cricketing experts, especially Aussie legend Shane Warne.

He has vowed to donate a part of the defamation case damages to the Marlon Samuels Society for the Blind in Jamaica. He will donate the rest to other charities he said.