St. David’s Respond: Lionel Cann’s Statement
The St. David’s County Cricket Club sent a letter to the media in response to statements made by cricketer Lionel Cann. The letter appears in full below:
Dear valued Members, Sponsors and Fans,
We feel compelled to react in response to the article published in the Sports section of the September 1st Royal Gazette. We would first like to reaffirm our intolerance to the use of illicit and illegal drugs by our players or on our property.
We had been made aware of the incident Mr. Cann spoke of in the daily, however due to the limited amount of specific information and the unavailability of key cricket officers we were unable to deal with the matter fully at the time of question. This was not an attempt to sweep the matter under the carpet or turn a blind eye to it. We are in fact still dealing with this matter.
We do not condone the use of illegal drugs on our property.
We also do not appreciate any persons making public statements regarding ongoing club business. The sensitivity of this matter has now been destroyed and the reputation of our club, management, players and sponsors called into question.
We do not restrict any player from making personal statements to the press regarding their sporting career and Mr. Cann was well within his right to do so. We have not asked Mr. Cann to resign, however, if this is his decision we wish him all the best.
We would again like to reassure all interested parties that this matter will be dealt with as originally planned and the management team of St. David’s CCC will continue to govern this club with the up most respect.
St. David’s County Cricket Club Management
That’s what Um saying – Committed Supporter!
If you did not want it in the public forum you should have cleaned up this mess years ago. If I am correct, this is why the old timers do not congregate at the club anymore. No respect for anyone by the younger members and players!
Still doesn’t explain or excuse Lionel’s irresponsible behaviour.
Timely and appropriate response to what remains an internal club matter.
Lionel should be applauded for being angered by the events that took place in the changing room, however he is clearly out of order for not allowing the club the time and oportunity to resolve the matter. Further, if the club’s actions or lack of same do not meet Lionel’s expectations, he has the option to remove himself from that enviroment and there is absolutely no need for a public hearing / slaying.
Yesterday, I read with interest the many comments in support of Lionel’s stance and listened, albeit very briefly, to Ms Thing / Thang’s bizarre rant on the matter. What many of these individuals fail to appreciate is that resolving issues can be accomplished without fanfare and grand standing and there is absolutely no need for all and sundry to be made aware of what is, in this instance, a private club affair.
Lionel has matured significantly over the years, however he should view this situation as proof that the work is still in progess.