Radio Jockeys in New Zealand Suspended Over Ben Stokes Prank
The radio jockeys put New Zealand-born Ben Stokes' mother on air without her knowledge leading to their suspension for a day.
Highlights
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Stokes was hit for 4 consecutive 6s in the last over of World T20 final
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England's Ben Stokes is originally from New Zealand, born in Christchurch
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Stokes moved to England from New Zealand when he a child
A pair of New Zealand radio presenters were on Wednesday suspended for broadcasting a heated conversation with England all-rounder Ben Stokes' mother without her knowledge. (Carlos Brathwaite Admits He Miscued Six That Broke English Hearts in World T20 Final)
Radio Hauraki shock jocks Jeremy Wells and Matt Heath had been mocking Kiwi-born Stokes' role in England's loss to the West Indies in the World Twenty20 final on Sunday before the on-air incident. (Marlon Samuels Fined For Breaching ICC Code of Conduct)
Stokes, who moved from Christchurch to England as a child, conceded four consecutive sixes in the final over to give the Windies victory, making him a target for some New Zealanders.
His mother Deborah called the radio station to take issue with her son's treatment and found herself talking to Heath, unaware she was on air. She subsequently realised she had been broadcast live and complained to station owner NZME, resulting in Heath and Wells being suspended for a day.
"Matt and Jeremy are famous for identifying where the line is and then ignoring it. However putting Ben's mum to air without her knowledge, albeit defending her son, was obviously well over that line. They've been suitably reprimanded and are off-air (on Thursday)," NZME group programme director Mike McClung said in a statement.
Stokes moved to England so his father Gerard, a former rugby league international, could take a coaching role.
Both his parents have since moved back to Christchurch.