“Monster in Maroon”: “He is not a hero. He is a predator.”

“Monster in Maroon”: “He is not a hero. He is a predator.”

By Dr. Fitzroy Tyrrell

A Measured Response to "Monster in Maroon": Addressing Both the Article and the Commentary
Dr Fitzroy Tyrrell

Kaieteur Sports – As a pastor and father of two sons who play sports, both pieces raise critical issues that deserve careful consideration.Toney’s article tackles a crucial issue that many in sports media avoid: the pattern of sexual violence by athletes and how athletic talent often shields perpetrators from consequences. His central thesis—that we need to stop protecting predators simply because they can play cricket well—is correct and needs to be said loudly and clearly.As a pastor, I appreciate Toney’s moral clarity. He writes, “He is not a hero. He is a predator.” This kind of direct language reflects what Ephesians 5:11 calls us to do: “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” Too often, we speak in euphemisms about sexual violence, which minimizes the severity of the harm caused.Toney’s conclusion—”We must confront this monster. Not with silence. Not with excuses. But with courage, justice, and truth”—is powerful, but it would be strengthened by concrete steps for how individuals, institutions, and communities can do this, confronting.

The “monster” Toney identifies isn’t just one person—it’s a system that prioritizes athletic success over human dignity. Confronting it requires both individual accountability and systematic change. That’s the work ahead of us, and it’s work we all have a role in doing.

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Responding to Shanudell D. Q. Phillips’ Commentary

Phillips’ Complex Perspective

Phillips’ commentary introduces a much more nuanced—and troubling—perspective that deserves careful analysis. While she begins by agreeing with Toney’s basic premise (“most of what you said is indeed the truth”), she then pivots to what appears to be a cultural relativist argument that I find deeply problematic.

Phillips asks important questions about environmental influences: “Where did he spend his formative years? What is the culture of this environment?” These aren’t unreasonable questions. Research by Finkelhor (1984) acknowledges that “environmental factors may increase risk” for sexual offending behavior (Child Sexual Abuse, p. 53).

However, Phillips’ description of the “riverine community” culture is deeply concerning. Her reference to “activities that occur in the area as it relates to male and female relationships would make a doctor puke,” and her mention of behaviors “so surreal that I wonder if we were on earth” suggests systematic normalization of sexual abuse.Phillips concludes by asking for help to “ensure that this behavior is discontinued,” while simultaneously seeming to excuse it based on cultural upbringing. She also refers to the athlete as “an exemplary sportsman” despite acknowledging “skeletons in his burial ground.”

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