A prominent member of Jamaica College’s (JC) ISSA/WATA Manning Cup football team has been barred from entering the school’s compound after being deemed a “threat to the school community”.

A letter obtained by the Jamaica Observer, signed by Principal Wayne Robinson, outlined several alleged infringements by the student, including what is being described as gross disrespect, assault, destruction of school property, and repeated class absences.

When asked whether the player would feature in this year’s ISSA/WATA Manning Cup campaign, Assistant Coach Raymond Watson responded, “That’s a million-dollar question, and right now I am broke.”

Pressed further on the player’s absence, Watson redirected the matter to Principal Robinson.

Head Coach Davion Ferguson also refrained from delving into specifics, but clarified the player’s current standing at the institution.

“He is still a Jamaica College student,” Ferguson said. “There are certain things that are going on that he will have to clear before he returns to play, but he is still a Jamaica College student. I am not aware of what is being said publicly, but I think within our space he is still seen as one of us. They are students, and at the end of the day we have to ensure that we grow them in the right way, and that’s the case with [him].”

Ferguson emphasised the importance of discipline as a guiding principle within his squad.

“Without discipline everything else suffers; so for us discipline is the number one thing. We have seen over the last two seasons where discipline has cost us, and for sure that is something we are trying to avoid this year.”

JC brushed aside Greater Portmore High 13-0 at their Ashenheim Stadium on Wednesday evening, making it two wins from as many matches and racking up a total of 20 goals in the process.