Former West Indies player, Franklyn Rose who was deported from New Zealand earlier this year has claimed that the country is not safe for international cricketers “especially if they are black”.
Rose who was a subject of sexual assault while living in New Zealand told TVNZ that he was racially profiled by investigating police officers. The player was reportedly assaulted by Youth groups back in November 2012 in Auckland.
The player represented West Indies in 19 test matches and 27 ODIs during 1997-2000 and moved to New Zealand in 2011 on a work visa to play and coach in Auckland.
“You cannot invite someone to your country to play and coach cricket, then throw him in jail for no reason, then kick him out of your country,” he said.
“What have I done to be locked in a prison cell for seven weeks? I felt so terrified and nervous when I realised I was living with and amongst serial killers, rapists, and drug dealers.”
The player also confirmed that he was about to leave the country after the incident but a blood clot in his lungs has prevented him from flying.
“That was the reason for me ended up getting stuck in that country for almost four years.”
“[The police officer] wanted to know if I was involved in gangs or drugs, I was very disappointed and asked him if it is only black people who are involved with drugs and gangs and why is he stereotyping me this way?”
Police superintendent Bill Searle said police “strongly refute” cricketer’s claim about the assault being not well investigated, and that the investigating officer “racially stereotyped” him.
“A full and thorough investigation was carried out into Mr. Rose’s reported assault,” Searle said.
“Mr. Rose’s version of events was not able to be corroborated. Mr. Rose was advised of the outcome of his case and thanked the investigating officer.”
Bill Searle also confirmed that the cricketer never complained about his treatment and him later “extended an invitation to the investigating officer to bring other members of the police to attend a promotional event at a bar”.
He also confirmed that Rose “was the subject of a police investigation earlier this year, in relation to sexual assault”.
“No charges were laid. However in early April, officers from the NZ police assisted with Mr. Rose’s deportation back to Jamaica.”