Lowe- Ricardo Makyn photo
Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer
PRESIDENT OF the Jamaica Football Federa-tion, Crenston Boxhill was yesterday rallying around Reggae Boy Onandi Lowe in his time of trouble.
The 30-year-old Jamaican striker, who represents Coventry City in the English First Division, was on Wednesday arrested in Northamptonshire, England, on "suspicion of possessing drugs with intent to supply". He was later bailed.
"I have spoken to Onandi at length as well as the manager of his club and at this time I am trying to secure the best legal representation for him," Boxhill told The Gleaner yesterday.
The JFF head is in England trying to finalise arrangements for a football camp for the national team in May.
"Within another 48 hours I should be able to make an official statement on the matter but until that time this is all I am prepared to say," Boxhill continued.
He was due to return to Jamaica this weekend but could be forced to delay his arrival in order to provide support for Lowe.
A report on the SkySport Web site quoted the Northamptonshire Police: "On Wednesday 14 April, a man and a woman were arrested by Northamptonshire Police on suspicion of possession of a controlled drug with attempt to supply and attempting to supply a controlled drug".
The report also said that a quantity of drugs was seized.
Lowe's agent and manager, Pat Garel, said she was working in conjunction with the JFF to get the best representation for her player.
BEST LEGAL REPRESENTATION
"What we are doing in conjunction with the JFF is trying to get him the best legal representation that we can. Additionally, I will be there as soon as it is physically possible," she told The Gleaner.
According to Garel, Lowe was due to make his third appearance today for the team which he joined from Second Division Rushden and Diamonds on the final transfer day in March,
but will be allowed to sit out today's game because of the media attention.
"He was due to play today against West Ham but the manager decided that with all the media frenzy surrounding the incident it was not the best thing for him and he has since returned home," Garel said of the 1998 World Cup veteran.
The club itself did not comment on Lowe's situation, issuing a release instead.
It read: "Due to resulting legal proceedings against Onandi, Coventry City are unable to comment on this matter at the present time."
After almost two years of trouble-free existence at Rushden and Diamonds where he was a prolific scorer, Lowe's move to Coventry has been anything but smooth.
To begin with he had difficulties securing a work permit. Following that he returned to the club five days late after a friendly match against Honduras.
According to reports he was fined two weeks wages for his late return.
Once Lowe took to the field though he made an immediate impression with his play. He made his debut as a substitute in a 0-4 loss to Millwall but was praised by manager, Eric Black, for his industry and ball skills.
On his full debut he netted in a 1-3 loss against Crewe.
For Jamaica, Lowe is a frequent scorer and is seen as the man to lead the forward line for the country in their bid to qualify for the World Cup Finals a second time.
