Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) president Reggie Pearman confirmed yesterday that a recommendation by national coach Gus Logie to have Janeiro Tucker's October 9 disciplinary hearing rescheduled to pave the way for the top all-rounder to tour Kenya and Dubai with the senior national team was granted by his executive.

The BCB last week slapped Tucker with a six-match ban for bringing a September Premier Division match involving Rangers and Cleveland at Southampton Oval into disrepute.

Tucker is alleged to have sworn at umpire Hector Watson from the clubhouse balcony, a claim the player and his club have categorically denied.

The former Somerset Cup Match skipper was originally due to face the music before the Board intervened just weeks before the senior national squad departed for Kenya last October.

BCB chief Pearman said: "It was a Board decision that was taken that we suspend his (Tucker's) hearing until he comes back and he was duly informed."

Last weekend Southampton Rangers chairman Randy Raynor lashed out over the Board's ruling, arguing: "This is a slap in Janeiro's face. They (BCB) just used him to go to Africa and when he returns they slap him in the face."

Responding to Raynor's remarks yesterday, Pearman said: "Randy can say what he wants and if the Board deem his comments to be controversial then we will deal with him as well." Pearman also described Raynor's involvement in the disciplinary process as a direct conflict of interest given the fact he also serves on the Board as a club representative.

"He's a member of Southampton Rangers and also a member of the BCB. But this is what we are faced with here in Bermuda," the former Somerset Cricket Club president said.

Pearman acknowledged Tucker's fine contributions to the game throughout his illustrious career - but made it perfectly clear that he doesn't condone the top all-rounder's actions.

It was the second time this year Tucker has landed himself in hot water with local cricket's governing body. In June of this year the player served a three-match ban for unsportsmanlike conduct during another Premier Division match at the Oval involving Rangers and St. George's.

"Janeiro is a senior player and we expect better from him. He should be setting good examples for the youngsters," Pearman stressed.

Southampton Rangers officials were scheduled to meet last night over the matter and are expected to appeal against the BCB's ruling by Thursday's deadline.

"This matter isn't over yet," declared Raynor, who yesterday stuck to his guns.

Meanwhile, when contacted yesterday national coach Logie distanced himself from the matter.

"What I did with the Board I did. . .. and I really and truly don't understand where they (Rangers) are going with that," the former Windies vice-captain and coach said, adding: "If you want any information then you are going to have to talk to the Board on that."

The Board's disciplinary committee consists of chairman Gary Fray, BCB secretary Charlotte (Molly) Simons, former Bermuda skipper Colin Blades and Winston Hollinsid.

When reached yesterday Fray declined to go into specifics about Tucker's case, but directed fierce criticism towards fellow Board member Raynor for publicly slamming his BCB colleagues.

"He's a member of the Board now and so he shouldn't be talking to the media," he said. "If anything he should've gotten everything straightened out at the meeting (disciplinary hearing) first."

Tucker - whose availability for next February's Standford 20/20 Tournament in Antigua is now doubtful - did not return calls to The Royal Gazette yesterday.