Pepsi Sonics justify GABA Leagues boycott

Feb 05, 2010 Sports

Had formally complained to sub-association

Robert Cadogan

Aubrey Younge

By Edison Jefford

Pepsi Sonics sought to justify its boycott of the ongoing Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) Leagues last weekend informing that the association failed to act on a formal complaint that was lodged in December last year.
In a document sent to this newspaper this week, the Basketball Club revealed that a letter was sent to the Georgetown sub-association asking it to take action against an alleged act of misconduct from a FIBA accredited local referee.
“Pepsi Sonics had written to the GABA about uncouth and unprofessional behavior of referee Aubrey Young, and requested the GABA to reprimand by letter signaling its displeasure and abhorrence at his behavior,” the letter this week said.
The club called for a stronger action once the act was repeated. The club is alleging that a series of indecent language from Younge followed a query from Sonics’ President, Merle Jordon about his refereeing decisions in a particular game.
According to Sonics, they had written to the GABA in December outlining the occurrence at the Sports Hall and asking for a reprimand for Younge. However, the association did not act perhaps out of concern that it was a mere accusation.
The issue involved a referee and a club with no member of the association present to give all the necessary justification that what the club had alleged was indeed a fact. The Georgetown sub-association is not at liberty to act unilaterally.
In addition to the issue with Younge, Pepsi Sonics are protesting the manner in which it had been issued notice of the Leagues. The club said it had been given a fixture as opposed to an invitational letter with the fixture attached appropriately.
The GABA through its Secretary [Robert Cadogan] issued the Pepsi Sonics Basketball Club with fixtures for their participation in the present tournament and not a letter…” the document that was copied to the GABA continued.
When Pepsi Sonics pulled out of the tournament, seemingly at last minute notice Sunday, Kaieteur Sport was informed that the GABA had no reason (s) for the sudden withdrawal of the club. In fact, it was printed that Sonics had issues.
“The President of Pepsi Sonics, who was the recipient of a vitriolic diatribe from Younge was extremely insulted and debased by the incident and as a result action was taken in the interim to boycott this tournament,” the release pointed out.
The Division I and III Basketball Leagues in the City are suspended since the Sports Hall is preoccupied with Mashramani events. Kaieteur Sport understands that the event will be continued in March following the February 23 Republic Day.