George Hook is threatening to sue both Johnny Sexton and The Irish Times for defamation due to an interview with the Ireland out-half which was published in the paper recently.
Hook claims that in an interview with Gerry Thornley in last Saturday's edition of the paper, Sexton called into question the authenticity of the opinions which the former RTÉ analyst expresses in both print and broadcast media.
A solicitors' letter sent to both Sexton and Leinster Rugby alleges that the article:
very clearly questions our client’s integrity and objectivity; that our client does not believe what he writes or broadcasts about nor cares about the accuracy and that he is generating controversy over player welfare, including yours, from brain trauma arising from concussion in order to further his own career and to sell newspapers.
Sexton gave the interview in response to advice which Hook had offered to the 30-year-old in his Irish Independent column back in January. Hook suggested that due to the perceived number of head injuries which Sexton has sustained in his career, perhaps he should consider retirement.
In the interview with Thornley, Sexton asserted that in his pro rugby career, he has only ever suffered two 'proper' concussions.
The Irish Times has rejected Hook's request for an apology, the withdrawal of the article and a donation to the IRFU Charitable Trust.
