Morton Expelled From Academy

The career of the hard-hitting, Leeward Islands batsman, Runako Shakur Morton seems to be at the crossroads - if not at a dead end. This, after Morton was expelled from the St. George's Cricket Academy over the weekend.

In a joint statement from the St. George's University, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), and Shell Antilles & Guinas Ltd stated that "The Shell Cricket Academy of St. George's University regrets to advise that Runako Morton of Nevis has been withdrawn from the programme for disciplinary reasons." No further announcements were made with respect to the drastic action taken against Morton.

Morton's fall from grace with the management at the cricket academy seems to have stemmed from a number of incidents. First, Morton was late in arriving at the academy following his wedding which took place in Barbados. Then, it was further reported that Morton left the academy(without permission) to visit his wife in Nevis.

The decision (to expel Morton), was taken by the management of the academy in consultation with the West Indies Cricket Board and the sponsors, Shell Antilles and Guianas Ltd.

Morton, whose cricket career options seem to have been significantly reduced, left Grenada on Friday for Nevis. The Shell Cricket Academy is geared at preparing the brightest young prospects in the region, for the Test arena. 24 young cricketers were initially enrolled in the inaugural 12-week programme.

The joint statement also confirmed that Morton will not be replaced since the programme is well advanced. The programme which began on 15th May, 2001 is expected to conclude early next month.