Whiteman: 'It's a character assassination'

TT Cycling Federation (TTCF) president Joseph Roberts has issued a media release denying a report from another newspaper that the local federation was set to take legal action against national cyclists Njisane Phillip and Keron Bramble, as well as former manager Philip Whiteman.

According to a Newsday report on Monday, the TTCF issued a pre-action protocol letter to Phillip requesting the immediate return of five new Mavic wheels which he allegedly took, without approval, from the National Cycling Centre, Couva on December 23, 2019.

A legal letter, sent by attorney Adriana Marine of Virtus Chambers in Port of Spain on Friday, demanded that Phillip return the wheels “in the condition in which they were taken, that is new” or pay the US$15,600 value of the wheels, in addition to the TTCF’s legal costs of TT$7,500.

However, in another local media report, it was stated that Phillip, Bramble and Whiteman were all set to face legal action from the TTCF.

“The TTCF wishes do deny suing any of the named parties,” the local cycling governing body said. “We, however, confirm that there are matters which are being addressed with the individuals named in the (other) article, but the TTCF is very much aware of the process in dealing with these issues and has refrained from airing this matter in the public domain.

“The TTCF subscribes to privacy and will not bring anyone’s name into disrepute.”

Speaking to Newsday yesterday, an irate Whiteman denied the newspaper report that he was owing money for any equipment and called it "character assassination."

He said, "Why write without knowing the facts. It is a defamation of my character, it's factually wrong. I'm a sitting member of the Sport Company board which looks after cycling and it puts me in a very precarious position."

Whiteman said he intended to take legal action.
-(with reporting by JONATHAN RAMNANANSINGH)