A Zimbabwean journalist has come under fire for defaming Irish cricketer John Mooney, who has been labeled as a recovering alcoholic by the journalist, after his boundary catch helped knock the African nation out the World Cup.
Zimbabwe Herald senior sports editor Robson Sharuko suggested that Mooney could not be trusted to tell the truth about whether his foot was touching the boundary rope when he caught Sean Williams because he is a recovering alcoholic and has had suicidal thoughts in the past.
Sharuko reported that Mooney was a recovering alcoholic, who was so depressed last year he even contemplated killing himself, adding that he was the Irishman who sealed Zimbabwe's fate at this World Cup in Hobart on Saturday with a shameless piece of fielding dishonesty that has soiled the tournament, News.com.au reported.
He went on to slam the all-rounder in his article, claiming that some have gone to the extent of calling Mooney a cheat, and stated that it was something that the cricketer probably deserved. He even posted the question that is it possible to trust a person like Mooney.
Sharuko has come under criticism for the same and Cricket Ireland chief executive Warren Deutrom promised to take action against the Zimbabwe Herald, the publication in which the article was reported.
Deutrom claimed that in relation to the story that has appeared in Zimbabwe Herald, it would be easy to dismiss it as a childish diatribe if it wasn't for the vicious personal attack on Mooney which cannot pass without comment, and possible action.
Deutrom stated that Mooney represents his country with honour, distinction and integrity, adding that that the all-rounder does in the face of personal challenges about which he has spoken openly and movingly demonstrates incredible hard work and great courage.
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Deutrom claimed that they understand, as does Mooney, that public figures may occasionally be subject to negative comment, but in mocking the all-rounder in such a contemptuous fashion, and using his personal difficulties as a mere punchline, the Zimbabwe Herald has demonstrated breathtaking crassness and a gross error of editorial judgment.
Deutrom added that they have made contact with ICC to understand what remedies might be available to them.
The article even prompted an embarrassed reaction from Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor, who tweeted an apology to Mooney and Cricket Ireland. He stated that on behalf of the Zimbabwe cricket team they just want to express their apologies to Ireland Cricket and Mooney for the unacceptable article.
