LEON JEANNE - OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE...
Posted on: Wed 17 Nov 2004
PRESS STATEMENTFor immediate release
Cardiff City Football Club have this afternoon received the results of the drug and alcohol test with regard to Leon Jeanne.
The test results confirmed what was already expected, that the sample did not appear to be urine.
Moreover, because on the test date when the above sample was handed, an acidity test was carried out in Leon's presence, and proved to be extremely suspicious. Besides, it did not look like urine anyway.
When he was asked, according to the rules, to provide another sample - he took three hours without producing any. Furthermore, he refused to take water or food during this period, which should have helped him to produce the sample.
He then claimed at 3.20pm that he had to collect his children, otherwise they would be left unsupervised. This left the testing team with no option but to allow him to go, on the condition that he would return immediately to provide the second specimen.
It is now believed that he is not allowed to be with his children on his own without other supervision. Moreover, his family confirmed that on the day his children were not with him.
After very lengthy telephone conversations with David Temme (Chief Executive) and Len Nokes (Club Doctor), he refused to come back, knowing very well that failure to provide the second sample in itself would be considered as a test fail, irrespective of the results of the first test. The test team even offered to go to wherever he was - he refused.
Finally, he also refused to come the next day claiming that he would be on holiday - it is understood that this was not the case.
In view of all that has taken place during the season, culminating in the events of the last few days, the Club has decided to terminate Leon's contract according to the rules.
Everyone at the Club feels very sorry and disappointed that this has transpired. A lot of effort and money was afforded to help this very talented young man to make something of himself. It is indeed a human tragedy and our thoughts should be directed first and foremost to Leon himself.
The Club also appreciates the great efforts that David Temme, Len Nokes and Steve Actie (Uncle) have provided. For them and others, we say it was worth your while to have tried - thank you.
While this is the official Club position, individuals from the Club will privately do what they can, if asked, to help this unfortunate and talented man redeem himself.
It is now up to the Football Association of Wales to decide on Leon's footballing future.
On behalf of all the Club supporters, players, Directors and staff, we hope that Leon will face the reality of the situation and do what is necessary to overcome it.
GOOD LUCK LEON - WE LOVE YOU
