NSW: Golfer Greg Norman involved in incident with photographer

AAP General News (Australia)
02-11-2001
NSW: Golfer Greg Norman involved in incident with photographer

SYDNEY, Feb 11 AAP - Golfer Greg Norman was involved in a fracas with a photographer
last night while out celebrating his birthday.

The photographer, 30, wanted medical assistance after the incident at Circular Quay
and Norman gave a statement to police later in the evening, police said.

However Norman's manager Bart Collins said the golfer was the victim of a set-up by the media.

"This is the most bogus claim by the media that I've ever experienced," he said.

Mr Collins said the golfer was on his way to celebrate his 46th birthday with friends
at the exclusive Cadmus restaurant when two photographers approached.

They were asked not to take pictures as Norman and his caddy Tony Navarro entered the
restaurant shortly before 8pm (AEDT), but instead they snapped away.

According to Mr Collins one of the photographers tripped over and Norman attempted
to break his fall, while the other photographer continued taking photos.

The photographer who fell claimed he was assaulted by Norman and asked for medical
attention and the police.

Police confirmed they were called to the restaurant but said no charges were laid.

Norman ended up giving a statement at the Rocks Police Station shortly after midnight.

But Mr Collins said Norman had done nothing wrong.

"I think we all know Greg Norman. Greg Norman has never been involved in any kind of
situation like this," Mr Collins told reporters today.

"This is a complete set-up.

"This is just an unfortunate situation where a couple of guys tried to entrap Greg,
the police see no merit in this thing. If this was such a big deal why weren't charges
filed?"

Norman has had a hectic week, running his own tournament at the Lakes Course, where
he is also in contention to win, as well as reportedly making a trip to country New South
Wales with Australia's richest man Kerry Packer to look at golf courses.

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KEYWORD: NORMAN

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