The coach of the St Bede's rowers who were initially barred from the Maadi Cup for riding an airport carousel claims one of the boys was not selected for New Zealand trials because Rowing NZ did not want further media attention.
Two-time Olympic rower David Lindstrom told TVNZ's Sunday programme tonight that Jordan Kennedy missed out because Rowing NZ "didn't want any further media attention and there would be further media attention" if the boys were selected for the national trials.
When asked how he knew this to be true, he replied: "Because I've spoken to those selectors, and I was advised of that while I was up there, which horrified me."
Mr Lindstrom, who has since stepped down from his coaching role at the Christchurch school, lost his job as a national selector for Rowing NZ following the controversy.
Jack Bell and Jordan Kennedy were initially stood down by St Bede's after breaching security at Auckland Airport by riding on a baggage conveyor belt.
