Leverkusen Winger Leon Bailey under fire for comments aimed at JFF Hierachy | SportsMax Zone

"The agent of Bayer Leverkusen star, Leon Bailey, has reacted angrily to statements made by the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) in response to comments made by his player on Instagram.
Earlier this week, JFF president, Michael Ricketts, and his general secretary, Dalton Wint, indicated anger at comments the player made suggesting the organization would be at fault if the Reggae Boyz were not at the next World Cup in Qatar.
The JFF was also displeased with Bailey’s criticism of Reggae Boyz coach, Theodore Whitmore.
Bailey had suggested that Whitmore’s squad rotation policy was counterproductive and didn’t engender the building of chemistry among players.
According to Butler, Bailey’s comments were made to a friend talking to him about his life, suggesting that the player was free to have an opinion in his private capacity."
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#LeonBailey #SportsMaxZone #Jff

[@Govvvy08]

I have my issues with Butler but he was 100% correct this time around, it's no secret that JFF is our biggest downfall over the years

[@evertonwright7474]

This guy and Leon should have respect to the federation. This is the same guy who tried to hold the federation over a barrel, by trying to get himself employed as as a coach, and for his other son to be playing, if the federation wants Leon to represent Jamaica. He is comparing Jamaica to richer, more experienced countries. What has this guy achieved in football? I've never heard any of the great players over the world, dictate to their federation, who they think can play. He should find some way to provide the same kinds of funds that these richer countries have. This guy is just jealous of Tappa. Leon is not the best player Jamaica ever have.

[@BadPeopleSteppin]

I dont believe he is. Because most of these players whom i know personally. Are not always professional and even at times return to national training not up to par.

[@kmdunruly]

Everton Wright he’s not the best ever but the best in the last decade. The Jamaica football system is completely crap. Not much pay to players, no contract, Jamaica doesn’t have a core or set style of play. Doesn’t have a set core of players with leaders. The team want a revamp most of the players are always rotating players and not a set for chemistry to be built. Nothing no wrong with weh him say. Jamaica football system no ready. Look how much talented footballs we have in school boy football and we cya find none a dem a play fi Jamaica. That nuh make sense

[@michealmccall4948]

Yes maybe he is right but he can't say that in the public that is very disrespectful,,,MR Butler can have him say,,,but him comes like he wanted coach the team,,,that what he said a few years ago if him don't get any position in the JFF Leon Bailey an him other son get call up Leon will not play for Jamaica

[@grayprojects591]

@@evertonwright7474 You're clearly misinformed! Nothing Leon or Butler said was facts!! You clearly know nothing really and it shows...

[@letstalkfootballltf1774]

Spot on Mr Butler. I myself was talking about the same system. Get a core a players and gel them together while keeping a system in place for other to follow and grow our football. Belgium is the best example. They miss a couple of World Cup implements a system and now are number fifa rank for almost 2 years. Jamaica beats Japan in 98 World Cup first time appearance for both teams, Japan implements a system and never miss a World Cup, Jamaica on the other implements nothing and never went to another World Cup. FACTS!!!!!

[@jordonmccarthy9521]

A longtime mi a talk seh Jamaica need a system them change players too dam often kmt....

[@Junior2uu]

true

[@WENSIVE]

Exactly, Leon Bailey said what everyone has been saying for years. I see tappa looking at (changing) players even within a tournament.

[@thewatcher5956]

Why is this guy in the red tie trying to make this an issue of who is playing where?

[@chowwow4950]

He’s 100% correct

[@cognitionup5211]

He is 1000% correct with his observation. The man is an INTERNATIONAL STAR and as such should be view as an expert on what is required.

[@thelewiss7774]

I'm with what he says a 1000% we need a squad not just some of unu friends wah unu wah fi come play fi the national team stop come with unu bullshit we need to be representing in the world cup #leonbailey#👍👍👍👍👍💯💯

[@kanqyesvevo]

Is not lie the youth a talk is the facts

[@rickygardner8838]

All Leon Bailey wants is good for Jamaica before unu look into it an try fix the team before going to a worldcup qualifier fix it

[@divitiaevictoria9605]

Mr. Butler knows his stuff , can't fool him 👏🏿

[@Gkdappyp]

Big facts him a talk💯

[@nicksmith07]

Where is part two...btw what Leon is saying makes sense...chemistry is vital in any team sport

[@tacticalguru6435]

Kmt....yuh feel like a now the man dem a bring them concerns to the right forum and nothing is still not done...But this get unu attention now though eeh!

[@lasticdudeburgaboy5217]

Butler has lon been trying to push himself up in local football him just a get the attention now because of Bailey. So him basically a use the youth to move up himself not because him truely want see the JFF succeed. Because if they do that without him it ago put him to shame.

[@cheffwisdom9744]

@@lasticdudeburgaboy5217 even if that the case ,he has a point, the our national teams need a system of play,.to from all age group ,.top teams worldwide has a system,..we need one and a core of players to building a team around,.just like leading up to 98.

[@cheffwisdom9744]

I think there must be some other issue ,.whitmore with his experience and courses he have done ,am only a FA level 2 ,no matter what team you need a identity, core of players, discipline and commitment,.look on our 1998 team, core members, our keeper, defenders, midfielder and striker. That was the spine. Mr barrett, Mr brown, Mr goodison,Mr Gargill,Mr whitmore(himself),Mr Boyd.yes all other was just as important, but our team was built around these individuals,.its the spine ..straight down the middle..then u build around it .

[@Innovatorydesign]

Same so brother

[@Vibes876Ent]

It get them attention but do they learn ???

[@JAmericanViewByRobertCGray]

I now understand the context in which Leon Bailey spoke . If he and his manager requested meetings with the JFF and none occurred, then I can understand the frustration. He should not have spoken out publicly BUT I understand his rationale. Hopefully, from now on a system is implemented that can facilitate "meetings" to air grouses instead of issues being "washed in public".

[@tucalytte6765]

I heard this from a lot of the senior football players for a couple of years now nothing wrong with what he says

[@krystinachin7060]

EXACTLY! 1. Why is someone being sanctioned for their views, waapn to freedom of speech?..2. Why the backlash because 1 person used a platform to say something EVERYONE HAS BEEN SAYING about the Reggae Boyz and how JFF is being governed? ...They're only defensive because he is right...SMH

[@clh1386]

BIG UP yourself Leon Bailey, every football player have got the right to speak his mind. We all know already there is a lot of RACISM in very sports when it comes to our NUBIAN PEOPLE the dark SKINNED. Only the truth will set us free. 😀 👍🏽 🙏🏾 😇 ❤ Ms 🇦🇬

[@Killamill14]

You ever see Messi, Ronaldo or any other pro talk those things about their country on a live? That's why your a professional, your agent is to be talking that not you as the player

[@Killamill14]

You cannot disrespect the head of football for your nation. If you have views you are to take that to them personally

[@krystinachin7060]

@@Killamill14 respect your point, very valid....whilst I'm not a fan of LB and disagree with him representing us due to his campaign against JFF after his first stint, I'm stuck at him being sanctioned for his views...Has the federation opened themselves to the idea of listening to concerns of players? What he said is something which has been said, may be this opp was used to get their attn...

[@ilovereggaemusicinja]

every jamaican knows Leon is right.

[@RockyDixon]

True

[@wizzywizzy8854]

Facts

[@cognitionup5211]

Who does no know. Is being willfully ignorant!!

[@visatracer]

Craig knows football you can’t twist him

[@duklonstennett7162]

Craig talking 100% logics

[@odariecunningham3048]

Leon Bailey Say nothing wrong... And butler is talking everything that should be done in a professional international football association body... What he is saying that you can't change a team so often when you are trying to Qualify for a major tournament like gold cup and world cup... look at France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Brazil.. i am not comparing Jamaica national team with all those teams because there quality is at a higher level then us.... but they billed a system that can see the team going forward and into the future that any major tournament they enter... It is a competitive team they have to compete for the tournament...

[@yanky_blsorgnl9038]

# FREEDOM OF SPEECH 💯% , LEON IS CORRECT !

[@ggordon6972]

Jamaica play ▶️ a football ⚽ of kick and hope 🙏 😂😂😂😂,,, there is no system in place to develop players 📣📣📣📣

[@antoniobaret7928]

freedom of speech is a constitutional right, JFF cant legally muzzle a player by trying to tell what a player can say, more over what Leon Bailey say is true

[@chillboss9893]

Teach dem football Butler !! These men with their egos, politics and self righteousness cant understand and run football. Can't wait until Jamaica have a knowledgeable president and a sensible coach.

[@lebeech876]

Solid points Mr Butler.

[@paulinegaynor7184]

From 1998. Jamaica people cant know our starting 11. Too much friend thing and batty man ting inna jamaican football everyday the side change how stupid is that.

[@alexrasta4152]

This why lot of players are afraid to play for Jamaican ....Leon is saying the truth

[@jadencollins406]

Issa friend thing INA Jamaica eno

[@howardpatterson3033]

He is 1000 percent correct.... Jamaica football federation management need to grow up and adapt to new world of football.... The JFF are not trying to improve, they are breaking down the team....

[@bwoykb]

The man speaking so professional bro 💯💯💯

[@drewdunk5437]

Leon speaks fact! Ever time you watch the reggae boys play all you see is new players. No team chemistry and they played together once every 4/5 month.wtf..they played like school boy football...

[@KeithyGeneral6576]

Agree with Craig Butler and Leon Bailey. These regulatory bodies aee very egotisical, everytime a player speak their mind, they become offended. They are quick to shoot the messenger without embracing the messenger.

[@deltonphillips8601]

Whitmore needs to find practice matches ... NOT world cup qualifying. Need a core team.

[@soniagoldsmith7641]

Am very proud of him you can see that he is very humble love that about him

[@generaljagwa733]

Where is part 2 ?

[@gullyDettagadMATV]

Leon bailey....The youte talk the truth..uno a bring Down jamaica footballers long time...big up yuhself youte 💯💯..i think this man should Help Couch the jamaica Team!!

[@richweedgaming]

He have all right talk what he to talk i love what he say...

[@glsports6801]

This calls for no argument. He is absolutely right. I am really loving this channel.

[@yanky_blsorgnl9038]

# REAL TALK💯% , The HYPOCRITICAL CRITCS needs to do the RIGHT THING & LISTEN , Dalton this INDIVIDUAL has not got the time for WHISPERING !

[@1dawknisoneway902]

Team lean and buttler on this one a true d man dem a talk Jff dem nuh ready fi football

[@anthonymartin1727]

Real thing the man a talk

[@lansleyblake1848]

The making of excuses can only go so far. Whitmore was apart of a system that paid attention to chemistry and cohesion. When did R. Simoes ever bring 5 or 7 players in a qualifier. Stop the rubbish and get the team ready for 2022 or leave in time for someone who is able to get it done

[@blacksheepcommunity]

about time someone say it.....thank you Leon

[@jean-mikail7207]

butler did well this interview very intelligent more jamaicans should learn from this

[@sheldonwright9826]

So who suffers the most from Leon's Bailey comments? Is it the player, the federation, the fans, or football? Because Jamaica football is still suffering.

[@_9ineteen98_5]

rest a player them fi back the man and jff fi gweh cause a facts

[@lionye1600]

This is a general view or the educated footballing community in Jamaica...and for chippi(Leon Bailey) to say it would be a confirmed fact of a player involved in the team. 💯TRUE . JFF SYSTEM IS LACKING AND BY FAR NO WHERE NEAR EFFECTIVE IN COMPARISON TO INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL 🚶🏾

[@conrodbrown3345]

Not a thing wrong with what he said the management is clueless

[@landoexclusive8290]

The 27 Persons That Dislike This Video Works With The Jff 😂

[@levarallen824]

Leon when we talk behind doors it makes not a sense. Some things are meant to bring right across the board.

[@Deco_2k]

All I am hearing is excuses, I agree with Butler 100% they all mess the point it's all about professionalism, as far as clubs all the in European ...

[@robertgreen6125]

Jamaican football total garbage it's built from the top downwards

[@anthonycgardner7774]

Remember the Brazilian Coach Rene said Tappa dont have no ball sense be everytime when he's going to play a match him have to took him aside and counsel Tappa for him to keep his composure.. Tappa did only have the ball skills but no ball sense. Ok 90 percent a football is head and the other 10 percent is skills

[@RealManSound-wv1wb]

Craig Butler speaking facts

[@Raj-br7vu]

The interviewer look like Leon bailey character in FIFA 17 🤣🤣🤣😂

[@madmack6648]

Bailey I am happy you are speaking up do not let no one bully you from speaking up. What is this guy saying. Are you in a Soldier Camp you must fall in line what is he talking about this man...hope one day we can talk

[@roybrandon197]

Lol Im glad mr. Butler handled these men and their condescending questions

[@petemichael5300]

Give owner Orville Powell of Montego Bay United and Craig Butler to run Jamaica teams

[@GoalChaser97]

Mi rate Butler after this interview 💯

[@andrefrancis3384]

Jff is a big joke. I've four son's two living abroad and play soccer and I told them better they play for that team than Jamaica. I love my country but the sad truth is that our federation kills our players

[@masonsamuels347]

Im confused, why is the JFF at fault ??

[@kevinlamey9205]

100% agree with Mr. Butler no system, From 1st appearance to the World Cup we should have take That as the building block to bill a footballer academy to pull from players across the country specifically to bill a national team...

[@andrewmcneil1424]

It's about time someone speaks the truth about jamaica football nonsense ...

[@lansleyblake1848]

Football mind bell. Very critical observation you made. We discarded Rene Simoes didn't establish a system and R.Simoes was a big part of the establishment of the reformation of the Jleague. Japan fot what we threw away so they will always stand a better chance of making it to world cup than we do

[@thewatcher5956]

Too much old men in that JFF system... Old narrow minded ways and 1970s mindset..... Football has evolved and is ever evolving... Us as a Nation reached world cup once and then we find ourselves waay behind the 8. We beat Japan in 1998 ...now Japan is light yrs ahead of us...so the youth is 100% correct...JFF staff overall needs to be dropped...

[@millionaire2714]

True

[@Macky_pryce2k]

Yes voice out yes baller long time dem all fi a do dat...talk di tings

[@shekyolhoneyghan4700]

True talk

[@maniiglobal6374]

Thank you for asking all the right questions

[@bush4705]

Craig your deserve a 🏆well said but the truth hurt listen if the whole team can come together and be brave n bold there’s nothing jff can do more than swallow there spit pls wake up 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲ans one love

[@generaljagwa733]

Come on jff dont get in to unno feelings the youth wasnt disrespectful when he was expressing himself , just address what the youth was saying , ask yourself jff is there is any truth to what he is saying whether yu hurt or not

[@omarjohnson8845]

Leon is right about everything

[@gottydan]

He said ntn wrong, it’s 100% true!!!.... dem feel like a suh things guh, dem think a Russia dis!.. a years the JFF a duh foolishness n every time di man dem a gwaan good unuh switch up the team, the man right to do what he did.

[@xtwintv]

He’s not airing his laundry in public. Jamaica ppl need fi know Wah gwaan. We want to go to World Cup to!!!

[@shevvr]

Real talk the ute mek and why the Jff close lock down football and the ute dem no ave ntg else fi do and a it a stop all crime and violence in the country and how the utes dem ago qualify for the world cup if they are not playing any competitive football? Dis system is so fuck up

[@yg6ixthomas610]

They should have had all players tested and restarted the league but all matches could be played behind close doors.

[@swaggaza2878]

There is nothing that one can't say because of freedom of speech. Freedom of speech is from the inner person and that always be true. The truth is an offence But not a shame. Big up Leon Bailey God bless and continue to speak your liberty

[@jasonellis364]

As with politics, Jamaica football team is suffering from corruption,lack of professionalism and accountability.

[@gj5229]

Well said,you are on point.....the country overall will never be better.

[@abolvip7305]

Very professional response

[@RiseUp02]

JFF is the Reggae Boyz biggest obstacle since 1998...too much politics

[@kurtbromfield190]

Why would a player playing for his country need and contract?

[@ewanjames1686]

Leon is very much right and no one at no time should reprimand a player for speaking his mind ,for years that's been the main problem with JFF and they are so blind to the fact of team chemistry

[@lansleyblake1848]

The situation Whitmore is in makes it more ludicrous for him to bring in seven new players in any match is down right foolishness when considering team chemistry and best results

[@1VolkanoErupt]

Mr butler a talk Facts!!!

[@lifechagerzboss6252]

What ppl dont understand is facts the youth a talk years now mi see that the coach have lot to do with it him dont waa fi him history wipe out so as long as him a the coach ja not going to world cup on the bored bk him cast all a them in it fi the money

[@jordonmccarthy9521]

A real talk bailey mek mek jff go do them wok......kmt

[@treytrey719]

💯 realllllll talkkkkkkk , but it all comes down to : politics .

[@akacam534]

Jamaica needs Leon Bailey more than how Leon Bailey needs Jamaica.

[@Vibes876Ent]

Give butler the job , this man have a much greater insight on how things should operate, lets focus on the most important thing he said he already have future star in the making that he's going to continue grow their craft n get them to play top level football, those or our future players for years to come.. He's also starting get group of senior players get them ready get who u know can get the job done ...

[@cashfigoal]

The clubs in Jamaica would have a better options if captain create the politics in Jamaica football development

[@rannie2k6]

Freedom of speech i agree with leon Bailey

[@KeithyGeneral6576]

Without embracimg the messenger and the message.

[@Govvvy08]

The truth hurts eeh

[@gshango]

If Leon had gone to them on this matter on their terms, there wouldn't be a discussion now. He's exposing what other players feel and wanted to say and JFF is trying to sensor him with their inaccuracy about the rule put out by the governing body of FIFA. Butler is a real professional, meaning he knows his trade and my question is. Why isn't he apart of our national program?

[@Gro-485]

Sometimes George need to shut up and learn something chat to much.

[@quincyjfinerass8228]

Leon is 1000,% right and Jamaica knows that

[@kautionyellowtape461]

Same thing happened today leon bailey was so right 😪 its sad but so true

[@NumbA04]

That mindset that the report has is why the country and the team is the way that it is, you don’t really gotta have the best team or player all you need is chemistry and hardworking players and you will be okay did Brazil had the best team when Pepé won a few world cups?

[@kingropy9561]

Damn right i was saying this for years now Too much politics in Jamaican football Thats why we nah go no weh and if ot continue We still nah go no weh smh

[@soniagoldsmith7641]

Guess he is up set cause the young man is smart and gifted for that great help to jamacian Labrish

[@gazadre1dan608]

Real talk

[@lobsterstrange]

why dont they give this man a national position????....he is a good agent and knows how to develop talent and spot talent him can be the deference alongside bailey

[@okeemmarston4123]

A the JFF make Sterling and the other eligible players don't represent Jamaica....old shit house them and them nuh shame say countries worst than Jamaican football a go world cup and we nah go....

[@htaylorja]

Many past players have said the same thing.

[@paulinethompson3197]

What the man don't have any freedom of speech he's a thousand times right big up yourself youth for being brave

[@raisingkings8767]

At least Leon Bailey has the balls to say things and make JFF know what time a day it is. JFF has been playing with Jamaica's football for far too long with their incompetent staff. Mr. Butler has to let them know what is really going on and bring forth real information that they are clearly clueless about.

[@wappykyng5137]

Is the interviewer saying the MLS isn’t super professional? 90% of the US team plays in the MLS!

[@Tagg25]

That’s why they didn’t qualify for WC in 2018...top players should be in Europe...not saying MLS isn’t professional though