MSSA pursuing legal action against Lazygamer?

Following a scathing article published on Lazygamer that questioned the operations of Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA)*, and subsequent to an article on MyGaming in which the MSSA explained its position on the issues raised, Lazygamer owner Gavin Mannion has provided an update on the situation.

As a prelude to this, Mannion indicated that he has “officially lodged a request with the government to view the accounts of the MSSA as we’ve received a few accusations of corruption aimed at them.”

For the sake of accuracy, Mannion’s comments (published in an article) are reproduced below:

Prior to this article going live I received notice from Colin Webster of the MSSA that they are intending to file legal notice against us for our reporting on them. I’ve responded promptly with the information requested and we will keep you up to date with the Colin’s attempt to gag our rights to freedom of the press.

Full request follows, pity he didn’t specify that it was private communication.

The communication from Colin Webster, president of MSSA:

Dear Mr Mannion

This is not the first time that you have printed a malicious article about the MSSA on your blob [sic]!

Please note that the MSSA reserves its rights.

I too need the following from you:

The type of legal entity under which LazyGamer is operating,

The address for service of notice, and

The contact details for your legal counsel.

I suggest that you get proper legal advice.

I look forward to your prompt response.

Best regards

C A Webster

Mannion added the following:

And now I’ve also been contacted by a Carl Holliday who is a lawyer but who refuses to confirm if he is the lawyer for the MSSA. Apparently I need legal counsel for a yet unnamed reason.

Legal notice against Lazygamer?

MyGaming contacted Webster to find out if any legal action is planned against Lazygamer for its reporting. The conversation was held telephonically, and so I am paraphrasing the discussion below:

Webster said that the message sent to Mannion was a notice that the MSSA will legally protect its rights if necessary, but no legal action is in motion or even decided upon.

Webster said that when the MSSA council next meets, they will discuss the matter and decide if any legal action is warranted or necessary. Webster added that this is not being treated as an urgent matter, and will follow in the usual due course of MSSA operation.

Webster said that the suggestion for Mannion to obtain legal council was not done as a prelude to legal action, but rather that Mannion might ensure articles regarding MSSA do not infringe on the rights of MSSA.

Webster confirmed that Carl Holliday is a legal consultant for MSSA.

*Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) is an affiliate of the South African Confederation of Sport and Olympic Committee. SASCOC is the controlling body for all high performance sport in South Africa and was formed as a Section 21 Company (non-profit) by representatives of all the sports bodies at a general meeting held on 27 November 2004. SASCOC is responsible for awarding South African national team Protea colours.