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Something of a fracas took place between Radio Sport hosts Willie Lose and Tony Veitch at a work Christmas party at Britomart late this week.
But the incident was played down yesterday by the pair who claimed it was just a case of blokish joking which went a
bit too far.
Lose said onlookers' reports of a major stoush between the pair at the The Radio Network's party on Thursday night were overhyped.
Any real attempt by him to tackle Veitch "would be like Lennox Lewis taking on Danny de Vito".
"Veitchy and I always poke fun at each other. He's a great guy and we always take the mickey. I apologise if I came across as being angry, but it's not my style. If I wanted to smack him, he wouldn't be awake and I wouldn't be here - I'd be in court."
The exchange was sparked by Lose clipping Veitch playfully on the back of the head several times.
Lose, the station's afternoon host, was seen to react angrily when Veitch asked him to stop.
Two women who intervened were reportedly pushed aside by Lose, although he claimed this was "not my style".
Veitch, who hosts Radio Sport's breakfast slot, presents the weekend sports news on TVNZ and hosts TV One's Game of Two Halves, said there was no physical violence.
"We were being lads and pissing round. He was dressed in battle fatigues and he's quite a large lad but, hand on heart, nothing happened. There were no punches.
"All it was was boys having a bit of fun and he took it a bit far and I got out of the situation."
They had spoken since and were fine.
The scuffle was commented on by radio hosts on other stations, including Radio Sport's sister station ZM.
Radio Sport programme director Peter Everatt said the story had somehow been elevated to "shootout at OK Corral" status.
"A couple of people were heavily nudged, but there was no fracas and as soon as it looked like things were going to get ugly, Tony had the grace to walk away and went home."
Mr Everatt said Lose would not be formally disciplined, but would be spoken to.
TVNZ news boss Bill Ralston said it was a matter for the Radio Network to deal with.
