News
Watson hits back in latest saga
October 13 2008
South Africa and Western Province flanker Luke Watson claims comments he made regarding the Springboks were unlawfully recorded and distributed for propagandistic purposes.
The alleged comments are set to be discussed at an emergency SA Rugby Union meeting on Monday, and are the latest in a long line of incidents that have plagued the SARU.
Further to that Afrikaner rights group, Afriforum, are insisting Watson apologises and retracts his statement or face charges of hate speech.
Watson is alleged to have made the comments whilst speaking at the University of Cape Town (UCT) RFC earlier this month, and made public just two days after the Springbok emblem saga broke out.
Among the comments Watson was alleged as making was, "the problem with South African rugby is that it is controlled by Dutchmen."
Further to that he claims he felt like a "political pawn" when included in the Springbok squad against Jake White's wishes, leading to fellow players shunning him.
Speaking on Sunday Watson expressed his disgust over the issue.
"I have a feeling of absolute disgust that people could stoop to these levels for the sake of a story," Watson said.
"This was a private discussion on transformation. It was unlawfully audio recorded and unlawfully distributed and I therefore reserve my rights.
"Attempts by some elements to turn his comments into an attack on Afrikaans people was disingenuous and despicable.
"We, as an entire family, have historically fought against discrimination of any sort. How could I possibly be accused of an anti-Afrikaner attitude? My maternal grandmother is a Van Rensburg, my paternal great-grandmother was a Schoeman and my aunt is a Swanepoel.
"Anyone who knows me would reject this slanderous attack with the contempt it deserves."
Watson's father, Cheeky, said that his son had been speaking at UCT on transformation at a privately arranged discussion group and his views had been taken totally out of context.
His lawyer, he said, was of the opinion that the comments were unlawfully recorded and distributed.
"This is a serious legal matter," said Watson senior.
SARU, who have made a brief statement on the matter already, have said a further statement will be released on Monday after the emergency meeting.
Further to that Afriforum lawyers will send Watson a letter demanding a full and unconditional apology, and a retraction of comments regarding 'Dutchmen' within seven days.
If Watson refuses, he will be hauled before the Equality Court on charges of hate speech, said Afriforum's Kallie Kriel.
A similar letter was sent to National Assembly sports committee chairperson Butana Komphela demanding that he withdraw his comment that whites were "arrogant" regarding the Springbok emblem.