What I Think - What Do You Think?

England's Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho

Human beings will be human beings and it does not matter which colour, class or creed you belong to. Yes, some of us can be very cruel to one another. As a child I was quite familiar with the term dutty niaga but I have now learnt that you have dutty whites, dutty Chinese and the list goes on. Wherever you have dutty people you will have dutty behavior.

Many were shocked at the responses of whites in Britain on July 11, when Britain did not win that football match against Italy. Marcus Rashford, 23, Jadon Sancho, 21, and Bukayo Saka, 19, were the targets of racial abuse after they missed spot-kicks in a penalty shootout with Italy. There were comments about the loss being due to the three monkeys. There were also other cruder comments. I understand that a number of coloured persons were verbally and physically abused in Britain after the match.

In Jamaica, there was the sad situation of Olympian Omar McLeod, whose performance at the Olympic trials in Jamaica was dismal. Omar was obviously distraught at this major loss of an opportunity which he spent many hours training for. 

Many persons who are making comments about this youngster would themselves have been upset if they did not make it to the Olympics in Tokyo. Some would probably make similar comments, facing the same emotional stress. Rather than being understanding of the situation that the young man has found himself in, many are quick to destroy this young man who has brought honour to this country in the past. It is clear that he should not have been the person to speak to the press. When you are in an emotional stressful situation, you might make outbursts that you would not make under a normal situation when you are more rational.

Olympic trials just like other things in this country does not have to be about a one event assessment. We have probably become so digitized that even when we deal with people, it is a matter of 0 or 1. Omar has lost but then Jamaica could suffer a greater loss by excluding him from the team. It could result in a matter of cutting off our nose to suit the rules and we end up spoiling our face. 

Christopher Samuda

The organizers headed by President Christopher Samuda, should take a look again on how we chose who should proceed to the Olympics or not. How about looking at giving the organizes the option of selecting one person who did not make the trials but who has a high medal probability.  If we have a gold medalists for an event for the previous Olympics, then that persons should also be given an opportunity to defend their title if they can.

Olympian Omar McLeod

Omar McLeod's statements has not helped him in terms of getting the support of the public. Subsequently, some of us have made some cruel comments about him. Those who have made some harsh comments about the black players on the English football team are no different from some of us. Oh yes human beings will always be human beings. They had palm leaves for Jesus Christ and a few days after they said crucify him! Public life is not an easy one because today you will walk the red carpet and tomorrow they will throw you under the bus. What A Life!

Well Omar's mistake is somebody else's beef steak. You know we have to follow the rules until we change them my brother. Let's give our full support to Ronald Levy, Ansel Parchment and Damion Thomas. Hope that you will hear our pot covers in Tokyo when Jamaica wins that race. Omar you will rise again my brother. Take it easy at this time and stay away from the press for awhile.

Note: A very experienced sports personality and a sports administrator, advised me that the JAAA rule states that it is the first three in the individual events with qualifying Olympic times, who will go on to represent Jamaica at the Olympics. 

My friend Mr. McLeod has no leg to stand on. Ouch!

Other Readings:

• Reuters
• SportsMax
• Forbes
• Jamaica Gleaner
• Metro
• Metro