January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
'I still want to play for my country'
My dope-smoking days are behind me, says Foggo after being fined for cannabis possession
'I still want to play for my country'
The 26-year-old St David's opener was fined $2,000 in Magistrates Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to possession of 22 grams of cannabis uncovered in a raid on his home last October.
And he has received the support of national coach Gus Logie who has invited him back to train with the squad - even though he has pulled out of next week's tri-series with the West Indies and Canada in Toronto.
Foggo admits that he did use cannabis. But he said he had given up the drug to play for his country in international competition, which requires all competitors to take regular tests.
"I'm still training with the team. I've pulled out of this tour but I'm hoping to be back for the next games (against Namibia) if I get selected.
"This incident happened before I was involved with the national squad. I haven't violated my contract it was before I started playing for the national team.
"'I've put that in the past. I think some of the headlines made it a bigger issue than it should have been. They (the Royal Gazette which reported the case yesterday) didn't have to make that big an issue out of it."
Foggo said he had been happy to receive a personal phone call from Logie after he announced his decision to pull out of the tour.
He trained with the squad yesterday and is hoping he still has a role to play.
"I would say that (weed) was the main reason for my absence from the squad. That's behind me now I'm looking to further my career.
"Playing for Bermuda is important to me, it's important to my family and to my community as well.
"I agree it was an issue that had to be dealt with but I've been punished for it and I want to move on."
It is not clear whether the conviction will lead to Foggo being put on the U.S. stop-list, though America is not a regular venue for cricket tours (The ICC Americas in Florida will be an exception) and provided the Bermuda Cricket Board does not impose its own sanctions he would likely be free to travel with the team on future tours. Logie said that pending any action from the board he was happy to support his player.
"I'm not condoning what has happened but I think he needs all the support he can get right now.
"I want him to continue the progress he's shown on the last few tours.
"We all know the issues with Chris but he's making an effort. It's still a work in progress but we continue to help him with his rehabilitation."[[In-content Ad]]
Comments:
You must login to comment.