Flemmings ‘good’ despite suspension, controversy - Agent shares striker’s shape after USL hands down punishment after alleged homophobic slur
Published:Wednesday | October 7, 2020 | 12:18 AMDaniel Wheeler/Staff Reporter
Despite being placed on administrative leave by his club Phoenix Rising and slapped with a six-game suspension by the United Soccer League (USL), after allegedly making homophobic remarks, Jamaican international Junior Flemmings is said to be in good mental and physical shape, according to his agent.
Damani Ralph, a former national player himself, declined to comment on his client and countryman’s suspension, but told The Gleaner that the striker was doing well in spite of the controversy surrounding him.
“At the moment there is no comment on the Junior Flemmings suspension,” said Ralph, when contacted yesterday. “I can comment that he’s in good shape mentally and physically.”
Flemmings, who has scored 29 goals in 43 appearances for Phoenix Rising since signing for them in 2019, will remain on administrative leave until the end of his contract, which expires in November. In addition to the suspension, the league also fined Flemmings an undisclosed amount.
The 24-year-old received the punishment following investigations into the September 30 incident, where he was accused of directing a homophobic slur towards opposing player Collin Martin, who is openly gay, during the match against the San Diego Loyal.
The incident, which drew global attention, led to players from the Loyal, walking off the field in protest, forfeiting the match, with Phoenix trailing 3-1 at half-time.
Flemmings had denied the allegations on social media, shortly after the incident.
In response to yesterday’s announcement of the sanctions, the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), in a statement, reiterated its stance against such abuse of any kind.
“The JFF would like to make it clear that we abhor foul, abusive or discriminatory language. We are indeed disappointed and we impress upon our players both locally and internationally to be mindful of their expressions,” the statement read. “Every player should use this incident as a teachable moment while they maintain their professionalism even under pressure or provocation.”
Meanwhile, athlete brand manager and marketing maven Tanya Lee believes all is not lost for the former Jamaica College and Tivoli Gardens standout.
“I suspect that anything that goes forward now would probably be more related to what his contribution to the club has been so far, assuming that behind the scenes, there hasn’t been this sort of occurrence, which would put him in a disadvantageous position when it comes to contract renewal,” Lee told The Gleaner.
While Flemmings could be liable for more disciplinary action by his club, Lee said that the responses of both Phoenix and San Diego this past weekend could play out in his favour regarding his future.
Phoenix Rising General Manager Bobby Dulle, in an interview with Arizona Sports Radio 98.7 FM on Saturday, said that support for both Flemmings and head coach Rick Schantz who was involved in the incident is necessary.
“You never want to throw people out at their lowest moment. So, our club is going to support whatever the outcome of the investigation is. We are going to support those individuals. I think that is all they can ask for at this point,” he said. “Whatever the results of the investigations come out for Junior, he is a good person just like Rick is and we are going to help them move forward and not let this moment define themselves or our organisation.”
Additionally, the San Diego Loyal, in a statement on Saturday, said that Flemmings should be given a second chance to correct his behaviour as well as not condoning the “expressions of hatred” that have been allegedly levelled against him .
The suspension brings a great season for Flemmings to a bitter end, as he will miss Phoenix Rising’s entire play-off campaign, which is scheduled to begin on Saturday. Flemmings is currently leading the golden boot race with 14 goals.