There are moments in sport that remain indelible in a nation’s history. One such was Jamaica’s Men’s 4×100 metres team — comprising Messrs Nesta Carter, Michael Frater, Yohan Blake, and Usain Bolt — smashing the world record in a stunning 37.04 seconds, to better the old record of 37.10 seconds, at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, South Korea.

The performance brought joy and great pride to Jamaicans as our four ambassadors accepted their gold medals, then turned to face the flag for the national anthem.

Unfortunately, during what should have been a solemn moment of reverence and respect, Messrs Bolt and Blake displayed behaviour that offended many Jamaicans and they were rightly criticised for it.

It took no time for both men to apologise to the country, saying they had not intended to be disrespectful.

That apology not only earned them our respect, it signalled an appreciation of their roles as ambassadors as well as awareness that representing one’s country is among the greatest achievements.

We are reminded of that moment because it stands in stark contrast to comments and behaviour down the years by national footballer Mr Leon Bailey.

The first instance was his refusal, six years ago, to accept a call-up to the national squad because his brother had not been included.

Then came a podcast last year during which he declared that the Jamaica national team can’t give him exposure, and that it is he who is really shining light on the team because he is known worldwide.

As if that were not bad enough, he did not make himself available for national duty after being suspended by then Coach Mr Heimir Hallgrímsson for breaking curfew.

And, when his manager, Mr Craig Butler, outlined outrageous conditions under which he would return to the national team for a Copa America tournament, we don’t believe that any true Jamaican shed a tear over his absence.

Those conditions, according to Mr Butler, were that Mr Bailey gets his own security when he is with the national team, first-class flights, his own room, and a right to review players’ contracts.

And then, to top it all off, Mr Butler told us that if Mr Bailey agreed to join the squad he would miss a game against Mexico because of a party he was hosting in Kingston.

Now, current Head Coach Mr Steve McClaren has included Mr Bailey in the Reggae Boyz squad for their Concacaf Nations League quarter-final home-and-away tie against the USA, set for November 14 and 18.

According to Mr McClaren, he has had several conversations with Mr Bailey, who was “absolutely delighted and enthusiastic” about returning to the team.

Recently Mr Bailey told Sky Sports that he was “excited to be going back with the national team” and that he wanted “to help as much as possible, be there, and enjoy the moment”.

Then came the kicker: “I’m a very proud Jamaican, I wear the badge on my chest and I wave the flag high every time, every situation, every moment I get the opportunity to do so. I’m definitely a proud Jamaican.”

If he’s being genuine, then he should apologise to the Jamaican people for his behaviour and previous statements. Until then, he should not have the honour of representing this country.