Cricketer Lionel Cann's verbal attack of his club in a recent newspaper article has earned him a one-year suspension from St. David's.

The Eastern Counties champions took swift action over comments by Cann in a November 7 article in the Mid Ocean News.

In the article the National Squad all-rounder and former club captain, called the St. David's management a "bunch of jokers'' over their decision to appoint Graham Fox to the post of coach instead of Clay Smith who also applied for the job.

Two days after the article appeared, a letter was drafted and sent to Cann, asking him to attend a disciplinary committee meeting which took place last Thursday.

That letter, a copy of which was obtained by The Royal Gazette , read in part: "... Management felt that if you had a problem with our decision to select Mr. Graham Fox instead of Mr. Clay Smith you should have approached Management to voice your concerns and we would have enlightened you as to the reasons for our choice.

"We understand it is democratic to have an opinion, we do not have a problem with that, it is the fact that you opted to belittle this Management team in the public media (sic).

"We are disturbed that you decided to handle your disappointment with verbal abuse. Fearing we may be biased, we have selected an independent committee of senior members that will hear your case and decide which disciplinary measures should be taken.'' At the hearing before the disciplinary committee, Cann was found guilty of "slandering and insulting the Management Committee of St. David's County Cricket Club by making disparaging remarks to the media ...'' The disciplinary committee members were Eddie Lamb (chairman), Ken Pitcher, St. Clair Tucker, Derrick Carlington and A.V. Fox Jr.

A subsequent report sent to secretary Rosmin Richardson by the Committee read: "... Mr. Cann denied this charge, however during questions posed by members of the Committee he contradicted himself on several issues.

"It was unanimously agreed that Mr. Cann incriminated himself with his defence, despite his refusal to admit the charge. After hearing Mr. Cann's case, the Committee deliberated in his absence and he was found guilty as charged. This verdict was unanimous.'' The club confirmed that Cann has appealed the suspension and the matter is expected to be dealt with next week.

The report further read: "Before sentencing, Mr. Cann was informed of the embarrassment he had caused the club and the entire community and that he had set a bad example for youngsters. He was also given guidelines as to how he could speak to the Press.

"It was made clear to him that all matters pertaining to the running of the club was the sole purview of the President (Delby Borden) and that members are not allowed to make derogatory statements to the media.'' Cann did not return phone calls from The Royal Gazette yesterday.

Cann has hinted that he may leave St. David's to join St. George's next season. If the suspension stands, a move somewhere else would be inevitable for the Cup Match and national squad player.

For the past two seasons Cann has been playing cricket much of the summer in Scotland, thanks to funding from the Bermuda Youth Development Sports and Recreation as well as assistance from the club and club members.

LIONEL CANN -- Newspaper comments land St. David's all-rounder one-year ban.