Morton axed from T&T's elite funding programme

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

Trinidad and Tobago batsman Runako Morton has been expelled from the country's Elite Athletes Assistance Programme (EAAP), after he appeared in court Monday on drug-related charges.

The 32-year-old Morton, along with Leeward Islands cricketer Tonito Willett, was arrested by police on the weekend for possession of a quantity of marijuana.

However, Sports Minister Anil Roberts said the decision to remove Morton from the 33 cricketers on the EAAP list was not because of the charges, but the fact that he broke team curfew.

"Mr Morton broke curfew and the rules of the Trinidad and Tobago cricketing national team. This fact, and this fact alone, is sufficient to remove him from the Elite Funding Programme," Roberts said from his office on Abercromby Street on Monday.

"Any athlete, no matter how great they are, representing Trinidad and Tobago and receiving funding from the government, operating in an ill-disciplined manner, will be removed."

National responsibilities

Roberts also said that Morton's spot in the programme would be filled following discussions between Trinidad and Tobago captain Daren Ganga and the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board.

He described the situation as a sad day for sports in the country, and said it should remind all national sportsmen of their responsibilities to the country.

"It is an awesome responsibility to all athletes who are receiving funding," Roberts reminded.

"They must lift their game and level of ill-discipline. They must all work harder to receive achieve higher results."