|
|
News
|
|
|
|
Opinion
|
|
|
|
SKN
Observer
|
|
|
|
Advertising
|
|
|
|
Resources
|
|
|
 |
| Bobo Dread Fate
Still Unsure |
| By Sheena Brooks |
|
|
 |
|
"Bobo
Dread"
|
| |
Whether or not Dale Rochester, affectionately
referred to as "Bobo Dread", will be allowed
to play in the local basketball league still has not
been decided.
The widely debated issue of whether the Ghetto Roots
player should be allowed to play in his religious head-wrap
was put to an Appeals Committee last Thursday but both
the Association and the team claim not to have heard
anything on the matter since.
The Observer spoke with St. Kitts Amateur Basketball
Association president James "Barman" Hanley
who said he had expected a decision would have already
been handed down.
"I can't speculate as to what the hold-up has been
because the matter was heard last Thursday and everyone
expected a decision would have been made then or shortly
after," he said. Hanley, who had said Rochester's
head-wrap was in violation of FIBA head gear rules,
told this media house that he had turned over all necessary
documentation on the regulations from the international
body and as well as those of SKABA to the Appeals Committee.
One official within the Ghetto Roots camp told The
Observer that he felt the "dragging out"
of the issue was a deliberate move. He said on condition
of anonymity that the players were eager to play but
the decision would determine the team's next course
of action.
"We are scheduled to play this weekend and our
players are ready and waiting. People are saying "what's
the big deal? Ghetto Roots won the championship without
him last year". We took a stance on the principle
of the matter because it is not fair to the Bobo Dread
and it is not fair to Ghetto Roots. The Association
heads had no problem the two or more years he played
with Cayon but the moment he joined Ghetto Roots his
head wrap suddenly became dangerous head gear,"
the source said.
He claimed the Appeals Committee is holding out on the
decision because they fear that if put to the general
SKABA body for a vote, the overwhelming response would
be "Let the Bobo Dread play".
Ghetto Roots Head Coach Dr. Garfield Alexander agreed
that the matter should be taken to the SKABA general
body so it could be laid to rest.
"I think this matter can easily be resolved if
it is taken to the SKABA general body and let democracy
prevail and allow Dale Rochester the "Bobo Dread"
to be heard by his peers. Whatever the general body
decides the Ghetto Roots organization will respect and
abide by," he said.
The Observer spoke with Glen Quinlan, Chairman
of the 3-member appeals committee who indicated that
a decision would have been made by the end of Thursday.
Up until press time this media house was not informed
of such.
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
