Manning’s league is alright

He denied too that any political pressure was placed on him to approve the establishment of Manning’s (B) league saying the Federation was satisfied that Brian had met all the criteria.

“He (Brian) applied for associate membership and one of the first things we did was to ask him to change the name of the league,” John said. He explained that Manning (B) was using the name —Caribbean Basketball Association but the Federation felt this was too close to the Caribbean Basketball Confederation, of which the local body is a part.

John added that the Federation appointed a committee to ensure the league was properly structured and the committee reported its findings to the Federation.

“It was on that basis that the Board granted approval for him to run a league,” he added.

John said it was also agreed that Manning (B) will hold its games that would not conflict with the Federation which will run from September to November, ever year.

He said the Federation has two other associate members — Gold Medal and Millennium Basketball Academy. John dismissed reports of nepotism alleged by UNC Senator Wade Mark in the Senate last Tuesday, saying this is an election year, “and you hear all sorts of things,” but John added, “ we are not into politics.”

Manning’s $9m proposal was expected to come before the Board of the Sports Company of TT (SPORTT) yesterday but sources said the meeting was postponed to next Wednesday.

SPORTT chairman Ferreira on Wednesday slammed Senator Mark for what he called “irresponsible and unfortunate” statement that monies were already allocated to the PM’s son proposed league.

Ferreira said the SPORTT has been looking at the proposal since last year, adding that after the Board discusses the proposal, a recommendation will be made to Sports Minister Roger Boynes, who will then take it to the Cabinet.