WIPA: Findlay approved Gayle's criticism

Tue, Jun 26, '07

 

The West Indies Players' Association (WIPA) has thrown its support behind captain Chris Gayle, making it clear that team manager Mike Findlay approved Gayle's diary entry that included criticisms of the WICB.

Following is the full text of WIPA's press release:

The West Indies Players; Association has expressed concern over the statement issued by WICB Inc. headlined: WICB Meets with Limited Overs Captain Gayle Refuses to Apologise for Behaviour, and is of the opinion that it is just one more instance of WICB using an opportunity to widen the relationship gap between the players and the administration, when the matter could have been dealt with in a more constructive manner.

Dinanath Ramnarine, President & CEO – WIPA, stated – "Having spoken to Chris Gayle, I understand the facts to be as follows:

1. Chris, as is customary, submitted his diary entry to the WICB (Mike Findlay the Team Manager who is head of the touring party and the WICB representative) for approval.

2. The diary entry in question was edited (parts deleted) by Mr. Findlay.

3. The rest of the entry (as was released to the media) received full approval and clearance from Mr. Findlay both verbally and in writing.

"In the event that the above is how the matter unfolded, it seems difficult to understand why the President, Ken Gordon and Michael Findlay, Team Manager would meet with Chris Gayle and demand an apology for comments approved by said Michael Findlay.

It is also interesting to note that it was the President – not the CEO, Bruce Aanensen who is also in England – who met with Gayle on Monday, June 25th. Is it because Mr. Aanensen publicly referred to the players as "incompetent" on Saturday, June 23rd, and felt he may have lost the respect of Chris Gayle and the team and in fact owed them an apology?

Ramnarine added: We all say things we may regret later on, but a President and a CEO have to be especially sensitive to their public utterances like labeling the players "incompetent" and encouraging them to be economical with the truth.

The recent action of the WICB President and its CEO does very little to reflect the recommendations of the Arbitration Panel that agreements must be honoured; procedures must be followed; and an attitude of mutual respect and sincerity must pervade”.