Ambition. A phenomenon that has never been shunned by the masses. A characteristic that is frequently praised for its portrayal of an individual’s desire to do and achieve more. It is but human nature to be ambitious.

That said, occurrences over the past week caused some to question the influence of too much ‘ambition’, and look at it in a slightly negative light, as a 20-year-old Jamaican footballer stole headlines on the local stage.

Alvas Powell (who turned 21 on July 18), dominated discussions locally after it was reported that he abandoned the squad of the national team now in the United States batting for the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Powell has long since been touted as a potential stand-out for the national senior team, having impressed during his DaCosta Cup days at Paul Bogle High, and playing a key role in securing the country’s second appearance at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2011. He steadily climbed the ranks to represent Portmore United in the top-tier of the local football league, and from there he managed to secure a move to MLS team Portland Timbers in 2013. Still with the Timbers, Powell has churned out performances that – to date – justified the ‘hype’ surrounding him, and allowed him to become a regular with the national squad.

But then last week happened, and it was put forward that the defender was so dissatisfied with his playing time that he removed himself from the group altogether to alleviate the frustration. As expected, the uproar it created was great.

Some individuals were of the opinion that overconfidence in his own abilities caused him to believe that he should be starting ahead of those currently being selected. Others said that he was being too impatient, as in a couple years he would undoubtedly be a regular starter in the team.  Conclusions drawn were that being a ‘squad player’ was not enough for Powell. All the statements made ultimately channeled one ‘consensus’ – Powell is being (more than) a bit too arrogant.

Those ‘interpretations’ are not the end of the story, however, as Powell recently spoke on the matter. In addition to apologising for his actions, he stated clearly that contrary to what was initially reported, a lack of playing time was not the motivating factor for his departure from the team.

This revelation has now caused our minds to be stuck in limbo. Aside from stating what it wasn’t, Powell is yet to reveal what it was that caused him to leave. Consistent and substantial playing time is an ‘ambition’ of any footballer – even at the youth level – so at least that justification had evidence to be analysed. This latest twist in the tale does not.

For now we are left to ponder, if not arrogance then what? What differences could have forced the youngster to make such a bold move? We join the thousands who are eager for an answer.

Unfortunately, while giving him the benefit of the doubt is the right thing to do, until the attention is directed to the real reason, there will remain those inclined to believe what was initially reported.

There may never be a consensus on that reason if and when it comes to light, but one thing can be agreed upon, there are no winners emerging from the events that unfolded.

Whatever it is, it would appear as though the events have handicapped Powell’s long-term ‘ambitions’ to become a consistent national representative. Coach Winfried Schafer has stated that as a result of Powell’s actions, he has no intention of calling him up for as long as he is in charge. A sad end to a sad episode.