Nasser fires back at SBW critics

Sonny Bill Williams’ agent has stepped in to defend his prize client, after what he terms ‘‘slanderous insinuations’’.

Khoder Nasser said he was considering legal action over comments surrounding the dual code superstar’s religious ties.

Criticism has emerged around Williams’ role as BMW brand ambassador, specifically focusing on his public association with controversial Muslim clerics.

Williams has posted pictures with and enjoys links to Mufti Ismail Menk and Erbrahim Bham.

Zimbabwe-born Menk was banned from six UK universities in 2013 for his extreme antihomosexual views.

BMW’s Facebook page received criticism stemming from Williams’ ties to these men and such views, and it has been reported the company is taking action.

Nasser came out swinging on Wednesday, saying it was wrong to jump to conclusions and strongly suggested the photos had been taken out of context.

In 2015 Williams travelled to a refugee camp in Lebanon as a Unicef ambassador to help bring awareness to the plight of Syrian children and their families.

In a sporting context he is widely respected for his dedication and professionalism.

‘‘Regarding the malicious insinuations I’d like to say by simply linking social media accounts that Sonny in any way is involved in hurtful or hateful agendas... it’s not Sonny’s thing and never has been,’’ Nasser said.

‘‘He has proof in the pudding to this fact. And to those who try to slander his name and insinuate such things they are way off the mark.

‘‘His reputation; him as a person and a human and what he stands for that’s the issue.

‘‘We will be looking at legal avenues.’’

Nasser would not confirm whether Williams’ deal with BMW would continue.

On Tuesday, BMW New Zealand’s head of corporate communications, Paul Sherley, told Newsroom.co.nz that Williams’ original contract remained unchanged. However, he said the luxury vehicle brand was taking the complaints seriously and ‘‘relooking’’ at Williams’ role.

‘‘We are certainly very mindful of the complaints around him and we are just re-looking at how we can integrate him.

‘‘We take all of the complaints very seriously and if there is public opinion that suggests we need to re-look at, or how we are using someone, we will do it.’’

When asked if taking action over the complaints could be seen as anti-Muslim, Sherley said: ’’If there is criticism or complaints made against [any ambassador] we will obviously look to work in a way where we minimise any problems, that goes for our brand and our ambassadors themselves.’’

Nasser also ruled out a return to the boxing ring for Williams until after the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand in June, and confirmed his comeback from an Achilles injury suffered at last year’s Olympics would see him sit out the Brisbane Global Tens.

‘‘His focus is purely on the Lions tour and getting back on the field and playing for the Blues. He’s had time off so he wants to comeback.

‘‘He’s got a big year and he’s not looking beyond that.

‘‘He definitely won’t be playing the 10s.’’