Australian Olympic Committee President, John Coates, will take defamation action against 2GB and top rating breakfast presenter, Alan Jones.

The proceedings are in response to comments by Jones on his show last week (8-9 December) about the infamous Sally Robbins’ rowing collapse at the Athens’ Olympics and equally controversial media conference by her crew members.

An AOC statement says: “In the proceedings, Coates claims Jones defamed him in falsely alleging he ordered a cover up of the race incident, lacked leadership in dealing with the affair and bullied the rowers into what to say at a press conference.

“Naturally, these imputations are denied.”

Coates is seeking aggravated damages, believing Jones knew the allegations were false.

Former Australian rugby union captain, John Eales – now an Australian Sports’ Commission Board member – is likely to give evidence on Coates’ behalf.

In Athens, Eales was an athlete adviser to the Australian team and counselled the women’s eight rowing team over the incident which resulted in their decision to hold their media conference.

The AOC says the proceedings are due in court on Friday 4 March.