news yesterday that seven members of the Bermuda Under-23 soccer squad had been arrested for possession of marijuana.

A sense of pride following successful qualification for next year's Pan American Games to be held in Argentina was replaced by one of shame as news spread of the detainment in Miami of Herbie Dillas, Shawn Riley, Keishon Smith, Donnie Charles, Tokia Russell, Meshach Wade and Kevin Jennings.

"It's the worst day in the history of local sport,'' said one unnamed Bermuda Football Association executive committee member following an emergency meeting at the BFA's Cedar Avenue offices.

Visibly shaken by the unfolding scandal, BFA president Richard Thompson's reaction was predictably downcast, but tinged with optimism following the near three hour gathering.

"We (BFA) are absolutely devastated and disappointed, but as I said we don't know the full text of what has transpired and other than that there's nothing further I can say,'' said Thompson, as he sat flanked by two executive members.

"We had a meeting to inform the executive committee members of the Bermuda Football Association of the events that have taken place today regarding our Under-23 team and at this time there is nothing further I can say.

"We will be arranging a meeting with the delegation upon their return to find out more information about this whole matter.'' Thompson added that he had not been in contact with any overseas authorities and could only go by what word had been received from tour officials.

Meanwhile, some of the Island's coaches and other high ranking officials weighed in with opinions on the matter, most expressing similar sadness, but not necessarily surprise.

"It hurts me, because I coached those guys at the Under-16 level,'' said Jack Castle, a former national youth coach. "But I'm not surprised that it happened, although I am surprised at the number of players involved. You can expect one or two, not seven.'' Castle placed some of the blame on the coaches and officials, who he said "should know the type of people they're dealing with''.

"Personally I think the officials should find time to go through guys' possessions, because we have similar problems like this all the time. They aren't always reported, but they happen. I've been to Jamaica with the (Bermuda) Regiment several times and a point is made to have detailed searches prior to departure to avoid such happenings.'' North Village's Robert Calderon said he could already see corporate sponsorship evaporating in the face of this damaging scandal, as well as the reputations of those involved.

"It's got to hurt tremendously in terms of support that the sport needs from the community and business sector at large,'' said Calderon, who had the added disappointment of having utility man Jennings as one of those being held in custody.