Tuffey's alleged folly 'serious misconduct'

The top lawyer investigating allegations against New Zealand cricketer Darryl Tuffey said last night he was looking into "a matter of serious misconduct".

Tuffey, who is paid about $100,000 a year, was summoned to appear at the hearing by his employer New Zealand Cricket, following what is believed to be an alleged escapade in Christchurch involving a couple of British tourists, a videotape and a milkshake.

Herald sources claim that NZ Cricket announced the investigation after fielding inquiries from news media and receiving confirmation from Tuffey that their concerns were valid.

One of New Zealand's most experienced pace-bowlers, Tuffey was dropped from the side during the recent one-day series against Australia because of poor form, and missed selection for the first test starting at Christchurch's Jade Stadium today.

It all adds to a bad season for Tuffey, who bowled an excruciating 14-ball over, complete with wides and no balls, at the start of the third one-dayer against Australia at Eden Park.

Tuffey will also be missing from the Northern Districts team when they start their four-day State Championship match against Auckland tomorrow, but only as a result of an injured bicep.

Hugh Rennie, QC, who is conducting the investigation, released a statement last night advising that the hearing had been adjourned, and that as he had further inquiries to make, it would take about two weeks to complete.

Mr Rennie clarified that the "complaint" related to a single incident of "off-field conduct", was specific only to Tuffey and not to any other New Zealand player, and was alleged to be "a matter of serious misconduct".

He said that during the inquiry he had asked for and had obtained an undertaking from both NZ Cricket and Tuffey that they would make no public comments.