Ryder incident reports 'grossly exaggerated' - manager

Jesse Ryder's manager has termed as "grossly exaggerated and inaccurate" reports of the New Zealand batsman being restrained by security guards in South Africa. Aaron Klee admitted that Ryder had broken his vow not to touch alcohol, but said there was no altercation with security guards.

Radio Sport and Newstalk ZB reported earlier today that Ryder, who plays for IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore, had to be controlled during an off-field incident. "It's disappointing that these false and unverified rumours are being reported as fact by the media," Klee said in a statement. "Let's be fair to Jesse - this is not a big issue. Jesse rang me and explained what happened several nights ago. He is disappointed that he drank after being off all alcohol for over 100 days.

"But there was no security incident. We have already taken steps to make sure he has additional support during his time in the IPL."

Ryder's Bangalore coach Ray Jennings also concurred. "It is over exaggerated," Jennings told Cricinfo. "There is no issue."

Ryder had sworn off alcohol after an incident resulted in him missing a match for his country. His mentor Murray Deaker released a statement reinforcing the need for the batsman to stay sober. "Jesse's had over a hundred days of sobriety and has made enormous progress during that time, on and off the field," he said. "Now for that to continue he needs support and moves have already been made to assist him to get back on top."

A New Zealand Cricket spokesman said the board would not comment until full details of the supposed incident were available.

In February 2008 Ryder had put his hand through a window while trying to gain access to a toilet area that had been accidentally locked. Ryder was then fined for missing a team meeting and a training session after a late night of drinking and was left out of the XI for an ODI against West Indies in early 2009. He was subsequently reported to have given up alcohol.

Ryder has been a major disappointment in the IPL. In four games he has scored just 34 runs, including two scores of 0. Ryder was purchased for $160,000 at this year's IPL auction.