Monetary issues irk athletes... But MVP remains steadfast to philosophy

André Lowe and Leighton Levy, Gleaner Writers

As the discord between the MVP Track Club and at least two of its elite athletes deepens, the major point of contention has been highlighted as money, with athletes said to be unaware of their exact earnings or how those earnings are being negotiated on the circuit.

It is a situation that has left the two athletes in serious discontent and threatens to result in a complete severance from the University of Technology (UTech)-based club.

National junior 400m hurdles record holder Ristananna Tracey has already 'jumped ship' and is now paired with the neighbouring Racers Track Club - home of sprint kings Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake.

Several developing athletes such as Kimmari Roach,Peter Matthews and Darion Bent have also left the highly regarded Stephen Francis and his MVP stable and are now under the guidance of Racers' head coach, the equally noted Glen Mills.

Seed funds

It is understood that the current MVP Track Club sets up seed funds from main sponsors Nike - the US-based sports goods manufacturers which also sponsors several athletes at the club - lodged directly to the club's management, which then make the disbursements to the athletes.

This disbursement is made after the coach's take - believed in some instances to be as high as 20 per cent - is deducted. This is compared to 10-12 per cent collected by most coaches on the international stage.

It is, however, unclear whether or not this 20 per cent includes a five per cent fee that each athlete is required to pay towards the running of the club. It is an arrangement that has caused some athletes to now raise concerns as they are said to be uncertain of their worth and just how much they are raking in.

The Gleanerwas informed by well-placed sources that one of the disgruntled athletes, who has medalled at the international level, has been seeking a meeting with the club's management for the last few days, but has been unable to do so as calls have gone unanswered - further inflaming the situation.

The athlete is also believed to have at one point requested a monthly financial breakdown of her earnings - a request that has not been met.

Questions regarding fees

The second athlete, who has also enjoyed podium success on the global stage, is said to be deeply dissatisfied with the level of attention she has been receiving from the coaching staff at the club and is also concerned about how the 'club fee' is being administered.

There have also been emerging reports on why Tracey departed the club last week. Those reports suggest the athlete may have had concerns over her nutrition programme and how her injured wrist was managed prior to the start of the World Championships in Daegu.

In response to queries about the reports surrounding Tracey's concerns about nutrition, Anthony Davis, UTech's director of sports, said the university does provide the athletes with some assistance with their nutrition. However, he is still uncertain as to the real issues behind her departure as he has yet to meet with or hear from the athlete.

MVP president Bruce James yesterday issued a release to the media, outlining the direction of the club while defending its culture, particularly as it relates to developing athletes.

Club comparison

"In association with the University of Technology and sponsors, we provide athletes with tuition, on-campus accommodation, meals, training facilities, coaching, transportation, training and competition gear, medical support, international travel, among numerous other wants and needs of an up-and-coming student/athlete.

"So why would any up-and-coming student/athlete leave such an arrangement? That question is best answered by each respective student/athlete. However, unlike another track club in Jamaica, MVP does not pay our developmental athletes cash. Some of our former athletes have advised us that the other track club pays them cash monthly, in addition to providing them with accommodation in apartments off campus, among other enticements," the statement read.

"The management and coaches of the MVP Track and Field Club love Jamaica and will continue to follow the philosophy that has led to the achievement of our goal, mission and vision. We will continue to train and develop athletes who share in our vision.

"Athletes who choose another route, we wish them well. For the track clubs that choose to pay monthly cash to their developmental athletes, that is their way," the statement continued, before hinting at a possible change in the future.

"We recognise and acknowledge that there are areas in which we can improve the general and specific methods of operation for our group, and will continue a process or introspection and renewal, with the continued pursuit of building better Jamaican athletes."