36-year-old Manny Pacquiao has been criticised for his lack of honesty, as faces a potential lawsuit for failing to disclose a shoulder injury before his defeat by Floyd Mayweather. He will spend up to a year on the sidelines as he prepares to undergo surgery on his torn rotator cuff, an injury he suffered in training. But the Filipino star could also be guilty of perjury after signing a pre-fight questionnaire without revealing he was hurt. See the questionnaire after the break
Nevada Athletic Commission executive director Bob Bennett spoke about his annoyance at Pacquiao failing to report the injury earlier and how they were put in a difficult situation. He said:
‘It’s not just the fact he didn’t fill out the question completely, it was that he wasn’t honest and they didn’t tell us a month ago when he had the shoulder injury. They’re not obligated to, but two hours before the fight they wanted a shot that’s a painkiller, in essence. That put us in a very precarious position.’
The document shows that Pacquiao was taking several painkillers, the word ‘No’ is marked next to the question:
‘Have you had any injury to your shoulders, elbows, or hands that needed evaluation or examination?’
By signing the document, both Pacquiao and his adviser Michael Koncz ‘hereby swear under penalty of perjury, that the above information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge’.
Under chapter 199 of the law of Nevada (NRS), ‘A person who, in a declaration made under penalty of perjury, makes a wilful and false statement in a matter material to the issue or point in question is guilty of perjury or subornation of perjury, as the case may be, which is a category D felony and shall be punished.’
The punishment for a crime of this nature is between one and four years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000 (£3,305). Pacquiao could also be fined or banned by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. The commission’ chairman Francisco Aguilar said that the state attorney general’s office will look at why the injury was not declared.