Phoenix Rising boots Jamaica’s Flemmings
Caribbean Life, NOVEMBER 20-26, 2020 39
By George Alleyne
Junior Flemmings, the
Jamaican football midfielder
who was suspended from his
American professional club,
Phoenix Rising, for hurling
a homophobic remark at an
openly gay player has been
booted from the organisation.
Following his mid-match
slur during a game in the
American United Soccer
League against San Diego
Loyal’s, Collin Martin, at
the end of September, the
24-year-old who hails from
Tivoli Gardens was suspended
for six matches and placed on
administrative leave.
The League also fined him
an undisclosed amount.
The bigoted remark had so
offended the San Diego Loyal
players that they walked off
the field in solidarity with
their teammate, forfeiting
the game despite being ahead
3-1 at the time.
The Jamaica Gleaner
reported that Flemmings
scored 29 goals in 43 appearances
for Phoenix Rising since
signing for them in 2019. This
2020 season was his best, netting
14 goals and winning the
Golden Boot award.
His contract with the club
recently expired coinciding
with the end of the administrative
leave and the club
announced last Friday that it
will not renew the deal.
Rising coach Rick Schantz
said of his former star player’s
departure, “his contract
ended, and there’s not a whole
lot to be said, other than that
he’s genius, got lots of opportunity,
and I think he’s going
to be extremely successful
wherever he goes.”
In spite of Flemmings
denying the accusation, the
Jamaica Football Federation
had at the time issued a statement
saying, “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.”
“Every player should use
this incident as a teachable
moment while they maintain
their professionalism even
under pressure or provocation,”
JFF added.
Jamaica forward Junior Flemmings (12) attempts a shot during the fi rst half against the
United States during semi-fi nal play in the CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer tournament at
Nissan Stadium on July 3, 2019 in Nashville, TN, USA. Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports