ISSA accepts Antonio Watson’s public apology; controversial chapter ‘as good as closed’
Gavin Riley / Our Today
administrator
Organisers of the Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships, the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA), says after two days of full-blown discourse and a public apology from Petersfield sprinter Antonio Watson, it wants to move on from the headline-grabbing incident.
ISSA, in a statement on Monday (May 17), said it accepted Watson’s apology for a suggestive ‘gun gesture’ after winning the Class One Boys’ 200m finals on Saturday.
The agency, based on Red Hills Road in St Andrew, further noted it was encouraged by Watson’s post-race interview and felt confident there was no ill-intent in the overly exuberant celebration.
See statement in full, below:
“The Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) is aware that there is a public discussion regarding the hand gestures made by Antonio Watson after winning the 200M event on Saturday, May 15 at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Championships.
We note that in his post-race interview, Antonio sought to provide an explanation for his actions after embracing his opponent. ISSA also recognizes that an apology was made by the athlete and we accept his apology in recognition of our mission to use opportunities like these as teachable moments for our student-athletes to adapt socially acceptable behaviour.
‘Champs’ has always been a time to showcase and celebrate talent. While we encourage the colourful behaviour of victory celebrations, and acknowledge the value and excitement it brings to the Championships, it should always be within the Code of Conduct that guides how we act on and off the field and track.
As the organisers of high school sporting events, we are committed to honouring the spirit of sportsmanship at all our meets and games by all our athletes and would like to remind them that there is a code of conduct to abide by and that ISSA is committed to supporting sportsmanlike behaviour.
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