Woolmer received no threats, family says by AFP

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Player:	RA Woolmer
Event:	ICC World Cup 2006/07

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DateLine: 23rd March 2007

 

Pakistani cricket coach Bob Woolmer received no threats prior to his murder, was not involved in match-fixing and nothing he wrote can explain his killing, his family said Friday.

 

"To the best of the family's knowledge there is absolutely nothing to suggest Bob was involved in match fixing," said a statement issued by Woolmer's wife Gill and sons Dale and Russell from Cape Town.

 

"Contrary to reports, we can confirm there is nothing in any book Bob has written that would explain this situation and there were no threats received," they added.

 

There has been speculation that the killing was carried out by criminals keen to avoid exposure in claims of match-fixing which may have arisen in a book Woolmer was planning to write.

 

Jamaican police earlier said Woolmer might have known the person who strangled him in his hotel room.

 

"Clearly he let somebody into his hotel room and it may be that he knew who that person was," Jamaica's deputy police commissioner Mark Shields told BBC radio in London.

 

"It seems difficult to believe at this stage it was a complete stranger."

 

Former England international Woolmer, 58, was found in his room Sunday and declared dead in hospital, a day after Pakistan's shock defeat to minnows Ireland saw the 1992 World Cup winners crash out of this year's competition.

 

His family reacted with shock to the news that the "wonderful father and husband" was murdered.

 

"The news from Jamaica about Bob's death is devastating. It's very difficult for the family to come to terms with and they have no idea why this happened," said the statement.

 

"He gave his life to the service of cricket and cricketers and endeared himself to anyone who came into contact with him.

 

"He always had time for those who approached him, either for an interview or for a chat."

 

They described Woolmer as a unique character with a "cheerful nature, positive outlook on life and a never-give-up attitude.

 

"Bob would definitely have wanted the World Cup to continue."

(Article: Copyright © 2007 AFP)