Complaints against New Zealand bowls great Gary Lawson go to mediation – Stuff.co.nz

John Kirk-Anderson/Stuff

Blackjack Gary Lawson is still in contention to represent New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games in July.

A date has been set for mediation with Blackjacks bowler Gary Lawson nearly seven months after serious conduct allegations and complaints were made against him.

Lawson is still in contention to represent New Zealand at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games in July.

The complaints followed a Stuff story in July 2021, that uncovered allegations regarding Lawsons conduct, including the alleged use of homophobic slurs, sexist remarks, verbal abuse and threatening behaviour, as recent as May 2021 and spanning 25 years.

Derek Flynn/Stuff

Gary Lawson was suspended from bowls in December for one month following his use of profane and indecent language towards an opposition player (file)

The investigation also uncovered allegations of a normalised culture within bowls, where Bowls New Zealand, Bowls Canterbury and bowling clubs knew of Lawsons alleged conduct, and allowed him to continue to play.

Several bowls community members feared speaking up because of perceived repercussions, including the likelihood of being threatened again, and the damage they believe it might do to their chances of representing New Zealand.

READ MORE:* Allegations of homophobia and sexism in the world of elite bowls * Gary Lawson stood down from bowls for 'indecent language' on the green* Bowls NZ starts Gary Lawson investigation; Grant Robertson and Sport NZ urge community to speak up following allegations

Bowls Canterbury has organised the mediation, which will take place in the middle of February, general manager Lorraine McLeod confirmed.

Stuff understands the process will occur across two days and will address more recent allegations regarding his conduct. If a resolution is not achieved, the complaints may go in front of a judicial panel appointed by Bowls Canterbury, which Stuff understands includes Christchurch lawyer Ian Hunt, educator Gillian Heald and police officer Maurice Phiskie.

The delay in addressing the complaints was in part due to Covid-19 restrictions, Lawsons Auckland-based lawyers told Stuff in October. They said at the time Lawson was committed to resolving matters and has not done anything to delay matters.

Questions put to Lawson by Stuff regarding the mediation went unanswered.

John McCombe

Gary Lawson, left, Andrew Todd, Richard Girven and Russell Meyer, won gold at the World Bowls Championships in 2008.

But another complaint against Lawson has been dealt with quicker. Following a formal complaint about his use of profane and indecent language towards an opposition player at an event in October 2021, he was suspended from the sport for a month.

His suspension was lifted before the national bowls championships held in Christchurch in early January. He placed second in the pairs and was knocked out in the round of 32 in the singles.

In December, and at the time of Lawsons most recent suspension, Bowls New Zealand said in a statement that bowls prides itself as an inclusive sport and community, one that is based upon clear values whereby we respect each other and those within our community.

The use of profane, indecent or improper language on a bowling green is therefore not acceptable, the statement said.

According to the Bowls New Zealand disciplinary guidebook, use of any profane, indecent or improper language; verbal abuse, including but not limited to . religion, colour, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation; engaging in offensive or insulting behaviour, and disrespecting the authority of match officials all carry a maximum suspension of 52 weeks.

Threatening actions or words towards club, centre, Bowls NZ officials or representatives carries a maximum 260-week suspension.

It was not the first time the 14-time New Zealand champion and world champion has been suspended from the sport. In 2010 he was found guilty of match fixing at a tournament in 2009, and was suspended for six months. He was invited to rejoin the Blackjacks in 2011, but did not return until 2019, following the appointment of new Bowls New Zealand administration.

Lawson was named as one of 46 within the wider Blackjacks squad vying for a spot on the Commonwealth Games team in July 2021. The final squad is due to be announced in May.

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Complaints against New Zealand bowls great Gary Lawson go to mediation - Stuff.co.nz