Jamaican judoka Ebony Drysdale-Daley has had her suspension lifted by the Jamaica Judo Federation (JJF) with immediate effect, after missing out on the opportunity to qualify for the Paris Olympic Games due to the year-long ban. The ban was imposed for alleged breaches of the federation’s code of ethics and by-laws related to actions bringing disrepute to the association.
Dr Emir Crowne, a member of Drysdale-Daley’s legal team, described the ban as unceremonious and emphasized that the athlete was deprived of the opportunity to defend herself against the allegations. The appeals committee, consisting of Chair Rashid Hall and Lyle-Anthony Golding, lifted the ban citing procedural irregularities in invoking the Vexatious Complaints and Unacceptable Behaviour Policy and following the requirements of the statutes.
The committee stated in an official statement that their decision aimed at upholding fairness, transparency, and the integrity of the Jamaica Judo Federation’s governance structures while safeguarding the rights of its members. Drysdale-Daley, who became Jamaica’s first Olympic judoka at the Tokyo Games in 2021, expressed relief at the outcome and hinted at the possibility of pursuing legal action against the federation for the ordeal she had to endure.
Crowne highlighted the egregious breaches in due process and fundamental rights of the athlete throughout the disciplinary proceedings, noting that she was never informed of the specific allegations against her and was denied the opportunity to defend herself. He criticized the federation for acting with impunity and emphasized the need for sports administrators to prioritize the best interests of athletes and Jamaica.
The lifting of Drysdale-Daley’s suspension marks a significant victory for the athlete and underscores the importance of due process and fairness in sports governance. As she contemplates her next steps, the judoka remains determined to continue pursuing her passion for judo and representing Jamaica on the international stage.
