Sayeed Bernard, the lawyer representing two-time 100 meters national champion Tyquendo Tracey, has expressed confusion and frustration over the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association’s (JAAA) decision to adjourn his client’s disciplinary hearing indefinitely.
Bernard is now requesting a full dismissal of the charges against Tracey, asserting that the proceedings have been mishandled.
“It’s totally improper in the way it’s being dealt with, in that they’ve recognized that there’s no evidence to bring these allegations against my client. Therefore, what they’ve sought to do is adjourn indefinitely, which is wrong. What should be done is dismiss the matter,” Bernard stated emphatically.
The matter be adjourned sine die
A letter dated June 19, signed by Marie Tavares, honorary secretary of the JAAA, informed Bernard and Tracey of the decision: “Further to meeting on June 15th with your client Mr. Tyquendo Tracey and yourself, the chairman of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association’s Disciplinary Committee has further reviewed the complaint against him and decided that the matter be adjourned sine die.”
Tracey faced charges for two breaches of the JAAA’s disciplinary policy following his public disagreement with the selection process for Jamaica’s 4x100m relay team at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary. The 31-year-old athlete took to social media to voice his displeasure about his exclusion from the team, alleging that the selected runner was chosen due to favoritism from Maurice Wilson, the team’s technical leader, who is also the runner’s coach.
Wilson, defending his actions, called Tracey’s comments defamatory. “There’s no way I will not seek redress in reference to my character,” Wilson asserted.
The defense is not pleased
With the national senior trials imminent, Bernard conveyed the discomfort and uncertainty surrounding Tracey and his legal team. “The defense is not pleased. What we are saying is, this needs to be put to bed once and for all. This shouldn’t be adjourned to a later date so they can bring it up. Jamaica should not hear about this again,” Bernard declared.
He further criticized the timing of the proceedings, hinting at possible underlying issues within the JAAA’s handling of the case. “It’s curious and I’ll leave the Jamaicans to read into that one. The timeline is ridiculous, and it tells me that the organization doesn’t think about their athletes and their best interests. There needs to be a written code of conduct that is agreed and signed on by coaches, athletes, and the organization (JAAA), and things set in place to state by when charges ought to be brought.”
As the national senior trials approach, Tracey’s future remains uncertain, and the call for transparency and justice in the disciplinary process grows louder.
