By Carlena Knight
President of the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association (ABCA) Leon ‘Kuma’ Rodney has publicly denied claims made by national female cricketer, Shawnisha Hector, that the local body did not give her the support she needed.
Hector quite recently was released from her retainer contract with the CWI, and in a recent article, the New Winthorpes native mentioned that support was lacking from the relevant authorities on island, one of which was the ABCA.
But Rodney says he is a bit confused by her statements as she never reached out to the ABCA for assistance. He says instead he would have hoped for her to have contacted them to clarify what it is she thought they needed to do more of.
“No as far as I know we never got any special or specific requests from anybody about assistance. The thing is, I would just prefer if she had specifically said what it is that the ABCA could have done more to assist her. I really do not fully understand the article,” Rodney said.
The former cricketer however joins with Sir Andy Roberts regarding the responsibility professional athletes need to have in developing their craft. Rodney believes that Hector among other athletes need to take their personal training more seriously.
“I always support Sir Andy because he has been saying it from ever since; players must take responsibility for their own development when they get to the next level. You have to make sure you surround yourself with a good management team. Maybe not management for pay but a good set of people who will guide you down the right paths and advise you to go out and put in the work. At the end of the day, she would have to had remembered that she was a contracted player, and even when she mentioned the gym, you know as a professional athlete, and you are paid, I don’t see I would be harping behind anybody to get me in the gym,” he added.
Rodney was speaking on the Good Morning JoJo Sports show earlier this week.