Clint Brown back in hospital as TV3 considers his future

Clint Brown

TV3 today refused to rule out disciplinary action against bashed sports presenter Clint Brown if drunken and abusive allegations against him were proven.

Witnesses have claimed that Brown was hit by the partner of a woman he insulted, and that he made obscene comments to a Maori woman in Taupo a week ago.

Brown returned to hospital today for specialist treatment for his injuries which included a broken eye socket and concussion.

Today TV3 said Brown and two people he was with that night had denied allegations that he was drunk and abusive.

Brown reportedly told police he could remember nothing of the incident.

Today TV3 admitted Brown's stance was at odds with that of Taupo locals.

TV3 spokesman Roger Beaumont they would continue inquiries and disciplinary action had not been ruled out if the allegations were proven.

"We are continuing to look into the matter ourselves. He is still under the care of a specialist and is back in hospital today for further treatment with the specialist. His medical well-being is obviously a top priority."

Beaumont said the allegations were serious and disciplinary action was a "distinct possibility" if the charges were proven.

"We would need to act appropriately if we could prove the allegations were correct," he said.

Brown was in trouble for drink driving three years ago.

He was taken off air for a week after he was stopped at a police checkpoint while driving home and found to be over the legal blood alcohol limit.

Brown said on Sunday he felt violated after being bashed at the end of an evening out in Taupo last Wednesday.

He said he was just sitting down to have a hamburger when he was hit from behind and hit and kicked in the head.

He said he had spoken to police but had not laid a complaint because there was little chance of the offenders being caught.

Witnesses said he was drunk and abusive and was hit by the partner of a woman he insulted.

They said he abused a taxi driver and police and made obscene comments to a Maori woman.

- NZPA