Phoenix Rising won't appeal Flemmings punishment

Phoenix Rising General Manager Bobby Dulle says that the club will not appeal the United Soccer League's (USL) decision to punish striker Junior Flemmings for an alleged homophobic slur.

Flemmings, who also represents Jamaica's senior men's football team, is alleged to have used a Jamaican homophobic slur against Collin Martin, an openly gay San Diego Loyal midfielder, during their USL playoff game last Wednesday night. Although strongly denying the allegation, Flemmings was subsequently suspended for six games and given an undisclosed fine by the USL.

The 23-year-old was also placed on administrative leave by Rising and Dulle said in a press conference on Wednesday afternoon that the club wanted to let due process play out before moving forward.

"We're very respectful of the process and I think one of the things in our sport, in this situation, or in life in general, [is that] due process is important," Dulle said. "So we wanted to let the process play out and we've said from the beginning to the USL that we're gonna respect their decision, and in this case, they came out with the results of the investigation of Junior and we're gonna accept what they've essentially levied and move forward."

Dulle was asked if Flemmings, since being punished, has admitted to the use of the slur during the game but his response was evasive.

"What we're gonna do is continue the investigation, but the USL, they did their due diligence, they took their time, they interviewed multiple parties, and we're gonna respect their decision and, again, move forward," he said.

More on this story in the Thursday Gleaner and STAR Sports.

rachid.parchment@gleanerjm.com