NYMCA Pursues Transparency Route on Play-Offs Issue
Following a recent incident involving the withdrawal of New York Crusaders from the New York Masters Cricket Association’s 2015 Play-offs, the NYMCA’s Corresponding Secretary Wayne Lewis, today made public the following letter to the association’s members and the reports below, in an all-out effort to clear the air.
To: All Clubs
Gentlemen,
Earlier today, I sent you notice that Crusaders had withdrawn from the 2015 Play-Offs. Tonight, the NYMCA Steering Committee met to review recent developments and decide on what actions should be taken as a result.
We decided to do the following:
1) Allow the Play-Offs to go ahead as otherwise scheduled, and address all fall out issues as they occur.
2) Share information with all clubs, so that you may be able to get a full view of what has really taken place; and be more enlightened as to who or what may be responsible for this dastardly interruption to our summertime classic.
3) Provide copies of reports to all clubs for your edification
4) Convene a meeting of all clubs after season close to address this and other issues going forward.
We have learned that Crusaders recently failed to obtain an injunction to prevent our play-offs from taking place as scheduled. It appears that withdrawal may have been the next action of choice at their disposal. We regard these as very grave and pernicious acts, ones which we shall all address when the time is appropriate.
We are not asking you to believe us, but we do want you to be aware of all information at our disposal. We have been accused by some members of Crusaders as being purposely “anti-Crusaders”, for lack of a better term. It is definitely not my intention to repeat any of the names or labels that have been assigned to us.
We are of the opinion that Crusaders’ actions follow on from our decision to suspend two of their main players, Joseph Allen and Norris Campbell. We believe our actions were fair, just, and without bias of any kind. You can review these reports provided so you can judge for yourselves.
Again, we are not asking you to believe us in preference to Crusaders; no, we will provide you with all information we were privy to, including reports from both teams, and most importantly, the report from the men in the middle, the umpires. Feel free to share all this information with your teammates so they too may get a clear picture of what really transpired. We are confident that you will find this behavior just as reprehensible as we did.
We have dealt with similar disciplinary issues in the past, but we have never had a single case where the offenders or their club conveyed the impression that they were above the law. This is most definitely new territory for us.
Just to cite a few examples:
• Everton Mattis was suspended almost an entire season for knocking over the wickets after being given out.
• “Country” was suspended indefinitely for a verbal altercation with an umpire.
• Debo Sankar was placed on probation for almost a year after a torrid exchange of words with an umpire.
What is wrong with suspending Joe and Norris for subscribing to the worst conduct in the history of NY Masters cricket? Maybe it’s time now for me to ask you all the same question some of you have asked me over the years. “What makes Crusaders the prima donna of New York Masters cricket?”
We hope the information we have provided will give you a full picture of what’s going on around you, and help enlighten you on some of the actions taken so far, and on those to come. Don’t forget the reports below.
Regards
Wayne Lewis
Corr. Secretary
NYMCA
Report From Crusaders
Incident Report – Crusaders Vs Everest
To: New York Masters Cricket Association
Incident Date: July 12, 2015
Incident Location: Lido Beach Cricket Field
This report is being submitted on behalf of the Crusaders Cricket team and it relates to the incident that occurred on July 12, 2015, at Lido Beach Cricket Field.
The Crusaders cricket team arrived at the Lido Beach Cricket field well in advance of the start time as set by NYMCA. The Everest cricket team was in the process of preparing the cricket field for the game.
The Captain of the Crusaders team submitted the players list and asked why was the game not starting on time and if the game did not start “on time”, it was within his rights to claim overs. The game was about to start approximately 10-minutes after the 1:00 PM start time when Mr. Joseph Allen pointed out to the standing umpire (Mr. Ashley Green) that there was no “30-yards markers” and per the NYMCA rules we are supposed to play with the markers and he was insisting that the game be played with the “30-yard markers”.
At this point the two opening batsmen indicated it was the Umpires responsibility to put down the 30-yard markers and when they stated it was not their responsibility they walked off the field and saying they no longer wanted to play the game if Crusaders players were going to “act this way”. Mr. Sheriff at this point came onto the field and said it was the umpire duty to put down the 30-yard markers and starting telling Mr. Joseph Allen that “the reason that Crusaders won all the time was because they are cheaters and that we just holding up the game so that Wildman and Blake could get to the game and that we were just BLACK JAMAICAN NIGGERS”. “Mr. Allen responded by asking how was we cheating if we were not putting down the 30-yard maker and that he (Mr. Sheriff) was a “f…… Coolie Piece of S… (I will say the exact words over the phone as I am not allowed to write this type of language on the company network)”.
After approximately 10-minutes, a couple of players from Everest team remove some of the outer boundaries and started placing them in the approximate location of where the 30-yard markers should be positioned. Mr. Mark Eubanks (The other umpire) went to his car and retrieve a “30-yard tape measured rope” and used it to position the 30-yard markers. To the surprise of the entire Crusaders team, the umpires reduced the game by 4-overs per team and insisted that they were not going to penalize the home. The game started a short time later.
Submitted
Crusaders Cricket Team
Report From Everest
All,
Attached is the scorecard for the game between Everest CC vs Crusaders played at Lido Beach on 7/11/2015.
Joe Allen behavior:
I have witness the most disappointing and disgusting behavior by a player on a cricket filed in all my time playing. I have witness Joe Allen rotten behavior before but not to this extent. He was rude, obnoxious and making racist remarks, calling players “coolie” and getting personal with players; cursing out player about their mother, wife and daughters. This is not what someone is telling me; this is what I heard/witness. It’s only a matter of time before this gets physical. I am almost certain the executives of this body must have heard this complaint before.
He is not the captain of his team but query everything that he can query because Crusader didn’t have a full team to start the game. He even walk-off the field to confront me about the 30 yard marker saying he won’t play without it. If he is not the captain, which he wasn’t, I don’t need to speak to him about anything that pertains to the game. I will only speak to the captain and the umpires.
One of his players was given out but refused to walk off the field and that ignited him again and the abuse continues against my players. This cannot continue.
The league needs to get a grip on his behavior because this is not the first time I have witness it or heard about it. Again, it’s only a matter of time before this gets ugly.
I should add that some of our players reciprocate in kind after he continues with his barrage of abuse and racist comments.
Best Regards,
Zamin
Report From Umpires
July 18, 2015.
Secretary
NY Masters Cricket Association
Reporting on cricket match played between Everest and Crusaders cricket clubs at Lido beach Saturday July 11, 2015.
Umpires Astley Green and Mark Ebanks officiated. Bronx – manager/player Joe Allen lost the toss and decided that his team would not play in the abence of the (30) thirty yard circle. He further stated that batting last, his team would be at a gross disadvantage. Allen then started a series of insults aimed at the Everest team calling them (expletives) coolie-thieves. Everest players and in particular H. Sheriff did not take kindly to these disrespectful remarks and hurled his own insults, calling the opposition (expletives) black Jamaican criminals.
Umpires Green and Ebanks assisted by other players physically separated these men about (3) times from coming to blows. This has been the worst display of indiscipline witnessed so far in this league. The thirty yard circle was eventually put in place and both teams were allotted (31) thirty one overs of playing time.
Everest 194-5-31 overs
Crusaders 149-10-29 overs
During the inning of Crusades, batsman N. Campbell was given out caught, he threw his bat on the pitch and said, “ mi cant out you too fucking thief, that a (6) six runs. This behavior lasted for over five minutes. During this time the crusaders supporters and players were uncontrollable, hurling threats and insults at the umpires. At one stage the umpires thought that law enforcement should be alerted to bring things under control. The Umpires recommend that, should these two teams meet in the future, players Joe Allen and H. Sheriff should not play, participate or be seen near that venue as someone may suffer serious injuries. Player N. Campbell should be disciplined for violating rule 8 (B) (D) of the NY masters rules and regulation. The umpires are willing to testify at any hearing resulting from this report.
Signed Umpires WICUA
Mark Ebanks
Astley Green
Notice Of Hearing
Management,
Crusaders Cricket Club
Gentlemen,
Please inform Mr. Norris Campbell, a member of your club, that he is required to appear before a hearing regarding his conduct and personal behavior during the match Everest v Crusaders played at Lido Beach on July 11, 2015.
This hearing will take place at Just Homes Realty, 223-19 Linden Blvd, Cambria Heights, Queens, NY on Tuesday August 25, 2015 and commences at 7:30 pm.
Mr. Campbell is alleged to have violated NYMCA rule 8 (B), 8 (D), which entails the following:
8 (B): – In accordance with Law 42 #18 (Laws of Cricket), in the event that a player fails to comply with an umpire’s instruction during a game, shows dissent in any way, or behaves in a manner which is likely to bring the game into disrepute, the umpires shall consult with each other and then with the captain of the offending player(s). The umpire shall immediately issue a warning. If the offending behavior continues the umpire(s) may terminate the game, resulting in forfeiture against the offending team. The umpires shall file a report with the Secretary of the Association.
8 (D): – Taunting is not allowed. Taunting shall include mocking, insulting or making sarcastic or inciting statements to any player or umpire.
It is of utmost importance that this matter be treated with the diligence it deserves.
In the Spirit of Cricket,
Wayne Lewis
Corr. Secretary
NYMCA
Notice Of Hearing
Management,
Everest Cricket Club
Gentlemen,
Please inform Messrs. Zamin Amin and Haseeb Sheriff that they are required to appear before an NYMCA hearing regarding their accountability and responsibility for actions or inactions contributing to what has been described in some quarters as the worst conduct and behavior ever witnessed in a NY Masters game. The game in question, Everest v Crusaders, played at Lido Beach on July 11, 2015.
This hearing will take place at Just Homes Realty, 223-19 Linden Blvd, Cambria Heights, Queens, NY on Tuesday August 25, 2015 and commences at 7:30 pm.
It is of utmost importance that this matter be treated with the diligence it deserves.
In the Spirit of Cricket,
Wayne Lewis
Corr. Secretary
NYMCA
Hearing – Re Incidents in Everest v Crusaders on July 11, 2015
Summary of Charges:
(1) The worst display of indiscipline in 12 seasons of Masters Cricket is aptly descriptive of the conduct exhibited during the NYMCA match Everest v Crusaders at Lido Beach on July 11, 2015. The main contributing players to this embarrassment were Joseph Allen of Crusaders and Haseeb Sheriff of Everest.
This behavior included a series of insults, racial slurs, and disparaging remarks to each other. It even crossed the line with highly disrespectful comments, somewhat below the belt expletives, aimed at each other’s wife, mother, and daughters.
Umpires Green and Ebanks, assisted by other players, physically separated Mr. Allen and Mr. Sheriff from coming to blows on at least three (3) occasions.
(2) Norris Campbell in violation of NYMCA Playing Rules and Regulations: 8 (B) (D), which states as follows:
8 (B): – In accordance with Law 42 #18 (Laws of Cricket), in the event that a player fails to comply with an umpire’s instruction during a game, shows dissent in any way, or behaves in a manner which is likely to bring the game into disrepute, the umpires shall consult with each other and then with the captain of the offending player(s). The umpire shall immediately issue a warning. If the offending behavior continues the umpire(s) may terminate the game, resulting in forfeiture against the offending team. The umpires shall file a report with the Secretary of the Association.
8 (D): – Taunting is not allowed. Taunting shall include mocking, insulting or making sarcastic or inciting statements to any player or umpire.
Norris Campbell when given out caught near the boundary, disputed the decision by throwing his bat on the pitch, and calling the umpire a f**king thief.
The Crusaders players and supporters reacted to this by hurling threats and insults at the umpires. At one stage, the umpires seriously considered calling upon local law enforcement (police) to help bring things under control.
Steering Committee Findings and Conclusions:
The Steering Committee first established who were the principals in charge on the day, and what their specific realm of responsibility was :
Donald Bennett – Crusaders Captain
Joe Allen – Crusaders Vice-Captain
Godfrey Mitchell – Crusaders Manager
Zamin Amin – Everest Captain
No Vice-Captain nor Manager in effect.
Mark Ebanks – Umpire WICUA
Astley Green – Umpire WICUA
The Steering Committee also established from the participants whether the charges were consistent with proceedings that took place on the day in question. Both clubs and the umpires agreed that this was the case, barring some discrepancy as to who was responsible for initiating each particular incident.
The specific details of the actual hearing will not be disclosed here, as this has always been the policy of the New York Masters Cricket Association.
As the hearing came to a close, the Steering Committee sought to establish if any of the following had occurred prior to the date of the hearing:
(1) Whether there was any remorse exhibited by Messrs. Joseph Allen, Haseeb Sheriff, or Norris Campbell for their actions;
(2) Whether any apologies had been offered to their team mates, the Umpires, the NYMCA, or to each other;
(3) Whether Crusaders or Everest had reprimanded any offenders from their individual club(s).
Unfortunately, none of the above could be appropriately established or adequately demonstrated.
The hearing was concluded and the Steering Committee reconvened 2 days later to consider the verdict, which is as follows:
(1) Mr. Joseph Allen of Crusaders has been suspended and will take no further part in the 2015 cricket season, nor in the first two (2) matches of the 2016 season. In addition, he has been placed on probation for the entire 2016 season. Any infraction during that period could bring him a swift and immediate suspension including, but not limited to, indefinite or permanent suspension.
(2) Mr. Haseeb Sheriff of Everest has been suspended and will take no further part in the 2015 cricket season, nor in the first two (2) matches of the 2016 season. In addition, he has been placed on probation for the entire 2016 season. Any infraction during that period could bring him a swift and immediate suspension, including but not limited to indefinite or permanent suspension.
(3) Mr. Norris Campbell of Crusaders has been suspended and will take no further part in the 2015 cricket season, nor in the first two (2) matches of the 2016 season. In addition, he has been placed on probation for the entire 2016 season. Any infraction during that period could bring him a swift and immediate suspension including, but not limited to indefinite or permanent suspension.
Final Thoughts:
The Steering Committee concurs that this is the worst display of conduct in NY Masters Cricket history, and we do acknowledge that for something of this magnitude to occur, many others must have been more actively involved as well. However, neither team provided any enlightenment as to other probable participants.
Given the seriousness of the incidents, one can surmise that the captains got off rather lightly, in this particular case. Team captains, and managers, should be more active and vocal in situations like these. They need to take more responsibility to control the actions of their players, and will be held accountable for their players’ actions if they fail to do so in future.
Let us hope that the actions taken here will serve as a deterrent for those who may be tempted to conduct themselves similarly in future. The NYMCA will not tolerate any cursing of people’s mothers, sisters, wives, children, nor of anyone else; neither will it condone any abuse of fellow players or umpires, whether racial or otherwise. No disrespect, whether on or off the field, will be tolerated.
All teams need to recognize the seriousness of the situation documented here. We hope you remember that New York Masters Cricket is just for the fun of it!
NYMCA Steering Committee
Wayne Lewis,
Corresponding Secretary
Please note we at www.usacricketers.com was asked by Wayne Lewis, the Corresponding Secretary of New York Masters Cricket Association to publish all of the documents that were sent to us.
