VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC have not lost faith in striker Darren Mattocks; however, the club does not tolerate the type of behaviour he displayed on a Jamaican TV show earlier this week, club president Bob Lenarduzzi told whitecapsfc.com on Thursday.
Lenarduzzi said that he spoke with Mattocks on Thursday in the aftermath of the striker’s comments and subsequent apology on Twitter.
It was an “open and honest discussion,” according to Lenarduzzi.
“We have very high expectations for all employees, staff, and players at Vancouver Whitecaps FC,” Lenarduzzi said. “The way Darren carried himself on Jamaican television was not up to the standards of this club. We reminded him that such behaviour won’t be tolerated."
For his part, Mattocks has apologized and acknowledged that his comments were “inappropriate.”
“I need to take a hard look at myself,” Mattocks tweeted early Thursday morning. “I will use [the] offseason to improve on & off the field to be a positive player, teammate and member of Whitecaps FC and the city of Vancouver.”
Mattocks, 23, was the second overall selection in the 2012 Major League Soccer SuperDraft after impressing in two seasons with the University of Akron. The Portmore, Jamaica native led Whitecaps FC in scoring as a rookie with seven goals in 21 appearances but saw his production dip in 2013, recording three goals in 20 appearances.
Despite his recent comments, Lenarduzzi said Mattocks is still an important member of the club.
“We have a number of exciting young players on our squad, and there’s no doubt that Darren is one of them,” Lenarduzzi said. “It’s been a frustrating year for him, but there is a lot of potential there. It’s just important for him to realize that he still has a lot to learn.”
"We are committed to continuing to support and work in collaboration with Darren so he can grow both on and off the pitch," Lenarduzzi concluded.
Whitecaps FC 2014 season tickets are now on sale and start at just $349, subject to applicable fees. The club is also offering a flexible range of additional products, including half-season packs, 5-packs, student season tickets, and a youth soccer half-season ticket. For more information on all Whitecaps FC ticket options, call 604.669.9283 ext. 2 or visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
