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The Trinidad and Tobago Gymnastics Federation (TTGF) will send a representative to the Rio 2016 Olympics Test Event regardless of whether Thema Williams, Marisa Dick or neither of the above is declared to be fit to represent the “Red, Black and White.”
(Copyright AFP 2016/Andy Buchanan)
As both gifted gymnasts prepare to face the TTGF’s disciplinary committee over revealing photographs on the social media, TTGF general secretary Elicia Peters Charles stressed that, although Williams earned first crack at the final Rio qualifier, the spot belongs to the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC).
Both gymnasts, therefore, are replaceable. And the TTGF can put forward another athlete for April’s Test Event in Rio, even though she did not compete at the Glasgow 2015 World Artistic Games championship.
“I want Trinidad and Tobago to know that it is a TTO spot and not an individual spot,” Peters Charles told Wired868. “You didn’t have to go to the World Games to be able to go to the Test Event. (Also) both Thema and Marisa made the mark required to represent Trinidad and Tobago. No one person made it.”
News that the TTGF is prepared to find a third gymnast at short notice, if necessary, to represent the country, may not appease concerned fans, who are anxious to see the country get the best possible representation at the upcoming Olympics.
And it certainly won’t calm the nerves of the two young gymnasts, who are anxiously awaiting their fate.
Dick placed 14th with a total of 51.25.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
However, Peters Charles made it clear that she has not prejudged the matter and the TTGF will go into the disciplinary meeting with an open mind.
The decisive meeting was scheduled for this week but has now been delayed to an undetermined time next week, due to the TTGF’s difficulty in sourcing a lawyer willing to offer legal services free of charge.
“The meeting will be next week,” said Peters Charles. “We wanted to do it this week but we didn’t have a legal representative…
“We don’t have any (budget) that will allow us to pay a lawyer, so we have to ask for pro bono work.”
The disciplinary committee will consist of seven people with just two members from outside the fraternity: TTGF president David Marquez, general secretary Peters Charles, a representative for the registered gymnastics clubs, a representative for the coaching body, one trustee, a legal representative and a mediator.
Despite suggesting the case has not been prejudged, the TTGF general secretary did say that both athletes breached their contracts.
Dick was born in Canada to a Trinidadian mother, Hannifer.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
“It was a breach,” the TTGF general secretary told Wired868. “The reason it has gone to the disciplinary committee is because a breach took place.”
Both Williams and Dick signed contracts, after last October’s World Games, which under the heading of “Ambassador of the Sport”, stated that:
“I am a representative of TTGF and must conduct myself in a manner that upholds the name, reputation and goodwill of TTGF… As such, my conduct publicly known and not publicly known must not reflect poorly upon or bring discredit to TTGF, its other athletes, its coaches or its events and programs.
“My conduct extends beyond actions on the field of play, including but not limited to
actions/posting/images disseminated in the public domain.”
Williams’ photograph, which landed her in hot water with the TTGF, was posted on her private Instagram page for barely 24 hours, according to the athlete, before being removed—almost 10 months prior to her pre-Olympics contract.
Williams is in line to be Trinidad and Tobago’s first gymnast to perform at an Olympic Games.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
However, the TTGF believes the 20 year old was in violation of the clause which reads: “my conduct publicly known and not publicly known…”
Dick’s own photograph was posted on SnapChat just last month.
Williams’ photograph was leaked to the TTGF by “Georgette Heinz” on February 22 while, three days later, “Kamara Heinz” responded by releasing Dick’s topless shot.
Thus far, the public response has largely been supportive of both ladies, although there were grumbles regarding Canada-born Dick’s split loyalties. Former England-born Trinidad and Tobago World Cup player, Shaka Hislop, attempted to address the latter issue in a op-ed for Wired868.
Andreas Stueven, the Trinidad and Tobago Triathlon Federation president, said, in his personal opinion, the TTGF’s response to the topless photographs was overblown.
“I do not think that this is a particularly raunchy or unbecoming picture for my taste,” said Stueven, after the circulation of Williams’ photograph. “Young people—girls and boys—are exploring their sexuality and once it stays within boundaries, I do not see that as raunchy. If you google Sports Illustrated, you will find a lot of pictures and some of them probably ‘raunchier’ than this one.
(Copyright ESPN/Carlos Serrao)
“Athletes train (and) as a byproduct they have sexy bodies. That applies again to male and female alike. Thema is not the only athlete to pose and show the result of her hard work.
“I know a few others personally and if you again google you will find a lot of celebrity athletes having posed for similar pictures. I do not see this as unbecoming.”
Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) president Brian Lewis was concerned with the timing of the furore.
“The TTOC is very athlete-centred and athlete-focused and therefore at this point in time,” Lewis told Wired868, last week, “all our Olympic athletes are very focused on preparing for whatever various qualification they have.
“They are at a crucial time with the Olympic Games just months away.
“The timing of the release of such a picture, which I have not seen, is concerning because it distracts both the athlete and the administrators from what should be the focus, which is preparing for an upcoming Test Event which forms the final qualifier for Rio 2016.”
It is uncertain whether next week’s disciplinary meeting will have any bearing on the identity of which athlete represents Trinidad and Tobago at April’s Rio Olympics Test Event.
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I think that the person that sent the photos to TTGF complaining should be revealed. Let’s understand the vested interest. As for the spot belonging to t&t, are you they saying they rather send the bottom of the barrel. These young ladies didn’t dope, someone went on their profile and downloaded a picture. This country….smh….ass backward yes
When will T&T stop be so petty…#3rdworldforever
All this noise over a silly photo when the girl should be preparing for the Olympics. Geeze we really backwards.
So It is ok to parade naked and behave lewd to showcase “our culture” but it is not ok to showcase for our sportsmanship… we too confuse in this country yes.
Trinidad and Tobago, the land of double standards. If it’s wrong for some it should be wrong for all. It can’t be right and wrong at the same time.
People and these absolutely odd analogies and comparisons… :/
Were they naked? ?
Exactly! It’s so obvious where their loyalty lies, but this will unravel so fast their heads will spin. They have done absolutely NOTHING for the sport other than create their own little interest groups to access taxpayers money. They have been able to attract zero sponsorship as the public is well aware of the boards interference with the constitution. And so if left unchecked the sport will fade into oblivion along with all the talented athletes produced by the handful of clubs. The ministry of sport would be wise to seriously consider what is happening at the TTGF and make demands of them before it’s too late.
I would think – in the light of vocal public support – that it would be tricky to argue that the TTGF was brought into disrepute, particularly by Thema’s photos, which were an artistic celebration of black bodies during Black History month, a year ago.
Arguably the TTGF’s own actions have done it significantly more harm.
Question did TTGF won that spot ,how may points they got after performing the routine
How is it that the secretary is so adamant abt the disciplinary committee for these girls? Why was she and the rest of the Council not adamant abt Marisa’s coach facing said disciplinary committee when he was arrested for misbehavior on a CAL flight from Toronto to POS. These people are jokers.
What utter rubbish!! The TTGF and TTOC both missed the point, where do they find these people. The fact is that according to the TTGF the athlete who won worlds won the rio spot, yet after Ms Williams scored higher at the event the TTGF decided to move the goal post and have them compete in two more events to decide who went? These pictures are a clear distraction from the fact that the TTGF had everything premeditated and planned for who they wanted to go to rio, and when their planned failed out came the claws. The right thing to do would be to remove the board, and have and outside team of credible people sit and make a judgement. Trinidad and Tobago is watching and I hope the TTGF knows if they handle this wrong it will be off with their heads.
Dayne neither TTOC or MOSY will get too involved into this as they in my opinion will consider this a internal issue of the Federation. There maybe some behind the scenes phonecalls with advise and it seems those are in dire need. But the way this is going the two ladies will have soon, if not already, have recourse to the International Federation, that will deal with appeals to Rulings by the NF…. normally that would happen after the Ruling of the committee, but in this case they may be able to claim undue delay of process particularly given the fact that the nomination deadline for the Test event must be just around the corner…
Thanks for the info Andreas Stueven much appreciated
We have to be careful that our emotions do not get in our way. I do know Thema personally as a Family friend since she is small, but i’m also one of the Admins in another Federation. And i try to see it from both sides, as far as i concerned this is a case on both sides of shootin with canons on birds as we’d say in Germany, meaning this really getting blown totally out of proportions… as far as i concern it should have been put at rest by the Federation a long time ago….
I see a lot of foreign athletes posing nude for magazines like sports illustrated. Serena Williams is one of them. This third world mentality we have..so stupid.
Thank You Sandra
Not judging her pic … But it’s this “first” world thinking that has our country in the mess it’s in …
So let’s continue to be third world thinkers… Such a “third world” analysis of a developing country’s social problems. Really??? are we that special Mr. Peter Aboud?
Comparing professional athletes to amateur athletes is foolishness….We realise that right?
So do we then give them no support and keep them as amateurs?
Don’t complain if another country accepts Thema Williams. Don’t complain if she wins a medal. We are so stupid.
Averil like I mentioned in the first 4 words of my post …. I am not judging her pic ….but then again if your “foolish analysis” is enough to make you believe that our “social problems” that we are experiencing everyday in this country is all part of becoming a developing “first world” country …. well enjoy your ride to the “first world”
I must say Peter, that you deserve the dubious award for being the first person ever to make a comment of ironic sarcasm!
Based on comments from TTGF Secretary in the public domain, she is the judge, jury and executioner. They really are a bunch of thick heads!
TTGF = Non – entities with nothing to frigging do
The pro bono lawyer should work for her.
Spot belongs to Thema according to contract law, she needs a good attorney!!
Lord you need to touch this situation.
Then how can she be in breech of a clause that did not exists when she posted the pic
Yeah but Thema’s photo was posted before the contract was Signed ?
This is just plain ridiculous. There’s no other description. An adult needs to take out a belt and give the TTGF some licks….this whole thing is just so stupid
Steups. They need to get their beHeinz in gear & get with the programme. Their conduct is the embarrassment – not these young women’s.
I have a question if contracts were signed sometime in October last year aind one of the ladies in question posted her pic since February of last year, how is she in violation of the contract. The act happened in February last year, the fact the the committee now seeing the pic is a none issue. No one can be held accountable for an action. I did outside my contract. These ppl are just being silly
She. Is. NOT!!!
These people not too bright owa?
A situation where you don’t know if to laugh or cry
I’ll take cry
Let’s back up Andreas, do you think all this disciplinary nonsense was necessary, all because of one voice who expressed dissatisfaction about how she felt?..gimme a break..they are jeopardizing young people’s future..what do they say after the fact? They are sorry? athletes are hard working people, I know, hence the reason I feel so strongly about this unfair treatment.
Mervyn i cant speak for Gymnastics, but in the Federation i’m the VP off we probebly would have launched a hearing too, but the outcome would mostlikely have been to clear both girls and make it very clear that the original rules set will be applied, which would in this case as far as i know the facts: Thema goes…
once a valid complaint has been filed the Federation has to start proceedings, but in this case it is questionable that the complaint was valid as no one seems to have been able to confirm the ID of the complainant let alone whether she is in fact a valid complainant (meaning she at least would have to be a member of ttgf i would guess)
Mr Stueven, you seem to be a very rational person, you spoke about contract, when was the contract signed …if so, before or after the fact, this entire episode is just unwarranted and all because of someone who is thinking…1920’s, people need to appraise their way of thinking…look around at what’s happening, let go of the antiquated way of thinking, loosen up, the world is moving on and NOONE is going to hold is back, come on for the ride or wave goodbye.
Mervyn Skeete look at my post higher up… to my knowledge Thema signed after and Melissa before… i have my opinion expressed quite clearly in my various comments above too… but need to catch some sleep now… lol
Andreas. This debacle is not going to leave you anytime soon…I have had my fill with people who seem not to understand protocol…so I am outa here, our discussions were very cordial and I appreciate your approach to this issue….peace out.
Mervyn i appreciate that and just like you i had and still have my fair share with people like that…. trying to correct what is possible…. fortunately not all of it hits the fan like this and i glad that i can watch this from the sideline, because from my assessment this is not only a PR disaster for the TTGF but will also turn into a serious legal one…. I’m certain we will cross paths again …
Have we ever qualified before thesegirls
this will be the first TTO Gymnast ever…
Cleavon Phill mind you noone has qualified for thee olympics yet… only the test event which is the last oportunity to qualify for Rio… check my post higher up…
The young lady even had a routine of hers accepted by the world body…tells me something.
what a set who belong to the moral minority ,who on the committee who does not drink rum
Whoever posted these pics clearly knows about the clause that these girls signed. THEY WICKED AND BAD……these pics are not alarmingly revealing.The timing is even more suspicious…..interesting though that Thema can represent Canada.
You mean Marisa Dick?
True Marina Dick…..my bad.
Mervyn read what i wrote above… technically they are correct, but they also made very clear rules as to whom they will give it to…
and its situations like these that kills very niche sports in this country, with actions like these!! for a country that has for years, never once gotten this close to and Olympics! and barely gets participation and always begs for funds!! it has found its self in a Ego position to Man there im the Boss syndrome “Not Thema or Marisa spot, but TTGF spot!’ that right there tell’s you its a Ego battle going on.!!! i do hope the Olympic committee realize that situation like these, can kill a sport that barely has a following in this country!! Thread carefully TTGF, cause making a bad mistake will very well make Gymnastic a very deader dan dead sport it already is in this country and it will be on your hands!! …. DO the right thing and Pick the best which is Thema!! simple as at that..she worked hard and earned that’s spot more than anyone else!! simple!! cause im sure if Thema didnt make the pass grade..you would been saying well she lost that spot or she didnt quality!! instead of you saying TTGF didnt qualify or made that sport etc etc ………..
Yep… and you could tell they are passing the buck! Them on jokes. Questionable leadership as usual!
All those who said that she (Thelma) “exposed herself” are a bunch of HYPOCRITES, and if the TTGF so rule, they too are not fit to be administrators and should be ashamed of themselves and be removed. Seems as though when administrators get a little power, they lose all sense of reasoning..football, cricket, now gymnastics..all on this thing called a “power play” screwing up hard working achievers…sickening…read the power play? The spot belongs to them, they probably cannot even walk a straight line. steups
Why these ‘Holier than thou’ prudes putting these athletes through this?
And what’s this about not having funds for legal counsel? How ridiculous can TTGF be. Seems every T&T sporting organization has questionable accounting practices. Wasn’t the Ministry of Sports funded recently? It I recall correctly, the answer is yes!
To be fair, most sport bodies are not self-sufficient and Government barely funds anything but travel to tournaments as far as I know.
Lasana Liburd Sigh… I understand. In fact, lack of self-sufficiency from a financial perspective has always been my pet-peeve with the NAAA & TTFA. But when the Ministry of Sports and the Sports Company can authorize a $34 million pay day to someone for no work done my blood pressure rises every time I hear these organizations begging for funds.
Lasana Liburd – you could NEVER convince me that the TTGF has no access to legal advice. I can believe that they don’t have advice that suits their purpose.
This will not end well for any of the parties involved.
Ah. Money pass
Not surprising. Trinidad was always for sale. Thema doh study them… I hear other countries will have you. ..
lol…unlikely
Hmmm name 1
what maddness these ppl talking, sport is about athletes not dotish administrators
Seems the TTGF considers Thema’s and Marisa’s pictures to be lewd and of questionable character. Regardless, Thema is standing on solid legal ground because she signed a contract 10 months after her incident whereas Marisa’s incident was after her signing. This seems like it will be another situation in which T&T sporting organization cuts off its nose and spites its face.
Ent
If the TTGF cannot even afford a lawyer, it really shouldn’t set itself up for a lawsuit.
and ticket cost to switzerland and all…lol
I’m smelling a rat; a big fat rotten one.
Well, if there was ever any doubt, we know now that the TTGF is dead serious and the consequences can be dire.
What we don’t know is what the final decision will be. And it is really sad that the athletes must spend so much time in limbo. It must be distracting.
This is why we can never achieve greatness by plan – only by accident. We have no administrators who have a clue on how to build sporting excellence in the 21st century.
lol typical Adminstrators in this country. No suprise!! lot of egos running strong yes!
So now we know what their decision on William’s picture was. If Dick’s picture didn’t surface she would be going to Rio. All in all the federation need someone from UWI’s gender studies department to educate them on sexuality and appearance.
Ent?????
John and Leslie-Ann technically that is correct, but the TTGF also made it very clear who is to earn that slot and has to show up with a very good reason to take that away and make it stick on a appeal…
ahahahha i will be restraining myself from commenting too much though….
just when i thought it went quiet and the TTGF will do a lil slap on the wrist… canons coming out of the armory…
They sending somebody retroactively to Glasgow? What foolishness is this I am reading?
It is so ridiculous it is laughable
I want to laugh eh. You know that feeling when you wonder if you in the twilight zone?
Nicole Philip that is obviously not possible, but what the secretary is trying to say is that they can pick someone else< if both eligible athletes have been disqualified for breach of contract.... i do think that the violation, if there was one in the first place, does not warrant such a harsh punishment. besides she is preempting the judgment of the disciplinary committee... not a good idea for my taste...
Agreed! But that hinges on them being able to find a pro bono lawyer willing to support that breach of contract angle esp in Thema’s case, with the circumstances surrounding that revised contract. AND handle disciplinary hearing. What a thing…
I think the fact that they have to find a pro bono lawyer is so hilarious
It’s hilarious and heartbreaking. So what if they don’t find a lawyer before the test event? How do the girls train with this over their heads?
Nicole Philip nope whether they have money or not is not the issue since they initiated proceedings they are now constitutionally bound to go through with it (i’m pretty certain of that) and not knowing their constitution, but there is usually a tight timeframe attached to disciplinary processes as they are to be dealt with fast….
they maybe in violation already… i think our constitution gives us 5 days to convene a panel…
So if it does not convene what then
then both girls can sue for breach of constitution… as they have then been denied due process…. the constitution doesnt really gives a cr… whether the money there or not,,, if you cant afford the hospital, you better dont lean too far out of the window
It is so disgusting. These athletes need ton train without this cramp hanging over their head .
you better know whos going to be your pro bono… we have sorted that a good while ago… but our laywer would have told us long time to back the hell off… lol
in fact that call wouldnt even had been necessary…
Exact-frigging-ly
I cannot believe this. If I am so upset by this I cannot imagine how the girls feel. Unconscionable.
This is psychological torture for them
The lawyer is just one of seven people. I’m sure whatever he says will be taken into account. But the lawyer won’t necessarily be decisive in this matter.
I’m not sure how they arrive at a final decision but it is a seven member committee with only two independent members.
Yes Lasana the constitution of this committee is interesting… the parties in question actually are allowed a voice…. i’m getting curious to read their dispute resolution policy…
Without prejudice, but if that is the direction TTGF is heading they busy digging a nice hole for themselves in multiple aspects from my point of view…while the fact is correct that the slot at the test event belongs to TTO, they themselves laid out rules for qualifying for that slot…and if the representative contract has only been signed after Glasgow at least Thema does not seem to have violated it as one cannot be punished retroactive and at least her picture was taken before she signed the contract… maybe Marissas too, who knows…
Marisa’s was taken this month.
Nicole Philip in that case she would be subject to that contract…. i heard that too but only the metadata of the file will tell for sure unless she admitted…
This is just plain stupid. The spot belongs to the best athlete in accordance to the qualification process that was laid out. Neither girl has done anything to warrant being banned and effectively ending their Olympic chances.
I believe the TTGF is wading into dangerous territory with these cases, particularly with Thema Williams’ situation. For one, merely posting a photo that is suggestive of topless nudity isn’t per se a violation of the terms of the contract, or uncontroverted proof that the ladies in question failed to uphold “the name, reputation and goodwill of TTGF… ” Neither is it conclusively proven that posting such photos respectively, “reflect poorly upon or bring discredit to TTGF, its other athletes, its coaches or its events and programs.”
It becomes really a matter of opinion, and should the TTGF fall into the trap of arguing that its young women athletes run afoul of the regulations by posing topless, an easy challenge would be for the TTOC to prove that it holds its young male athletes to the same standard. One imagines it would not be too difficult to find a male gymnast posing (publicly or not, pre- or post-contract) bare-chested/topless. Even by TnT’s conveniently prudish standards, one cannot legally discriminate on the basis of sex, particularly true of any organization with as much official entanglement (sponsorship for one) with the State. That would be a clear contravention of both Misses Williams’ and Dick’s Constitutional rights.
The issue is doubly problematic in the instance involving Ms. Williams:
“However, the TTGF believes the 20 year old was in violation of the clause which reads: ‘my conduct publicly known and not publicly known…’”
If Ms. Williams had taken the picture after signing the contract with the TTGF and was aware of this prohibition at the time of her taking the picture in question, then yes, the TTGF would be correct in claiming that she is in breach, whether or not the photo was posted publicly, posted privately, or not posted at all. Simply taking the picture would implicate “conduct… not publicly know.”
The central question would be the post facto, or retroactive application of the prohibition, something which is anathema throughout the common law, but certainly in the law of contracts. It would be one thing is the contact governed prior behavior (as was the case infamously with Vanessa Williams and Miss USA). However, on the evidence thus far, the agreement seems to only govern prospective behavior… from the date of signing on. The TTGF would arguably be best served by dispensing with this tempest in a teapot and casting aside this Victorian pretentiousness and patriarchal hypocrisy where is concerns the female body.
if thats the case…THEN THEY SHOULD HAVE BUSTED PALMS!!!! makes me want to scream -_-
It don’t belong to either of them except whose family has the money to pull strings or whose hypocrite mother fs up the other’s chance with some hypocrite objection. The story of sportd in TnT untill the US recognise you then everyone thinks you’re the best .
Send David Marquez !!
This pisses me off to no end
I second Nicole Ulerie’s comment
The TTGF are morons
I’m not even reading this. Living in this country can b so depressing eh. Chups