The sporting community reacted with shock to the news of the arrest of Bermuda national team wicketkeeper Dean Minors on suspicion of drug importation.

Minors, the coach, vice-captain and star wicketkeeper of St. George's Cricket Club's side for last year's Cup Match Classic, was reportedly arrested at the Bermuda International Airport on New Year's Day with a large quantity of marijuana. He was said to have arrived on a flight from Florida chartered by local travel agents Meyer Travel.

However, all the sports personalities contacted by The Royal Gazette expressed stunned disbelief at the accusations, noting the clean-cut image of Minors both on and off the pitch.

The 31-year-old was earmarked for stardom early on in his career, counting both soccer and cricket in his repertoire. As a striker he was feared for his lethal shot, while on the cricketing scene he remains a class above all wicketkeepers with his tidiness and style behind the stumps, and ability to ruthlessly dissect the opposition's attack when in front.

Off the field, Minors has been equally upright, holding a Masters degree in physical education and being a part of the faculty at CedarBridge Academy. He has also occupied lead roles in organising and conducting summer sports camps in the East End.

St. George's Cricket Club president Louis (Red) DeSilva yesterday remained committed to Minors in the face of all the negative speculation.

"I don't know anything except what I've heard,'' began DeSilva, "Dean has been a person that I've always had deep respect for, and I have high hopes for.

"My hope in all of this is that it is a bad dream, and a big mistake.

"And, until I find out otherwise, I'll continue to have deep respect for Dean.'' Bermuda Cricket Board of Control President El James was off the Island and unavailable for comment and national team staff coach Winston Reid could not be reached.

Bermuda team captain Charlie Marshall offered a brief statement and made it clear he wished to reserve judgement.

"I have to refuse comment on that, because all I've heard has been street-talk,'' said Marshall. "I don't know what's happening.

"I can't believe it, because it's all just talk.'' Meanwhile, another person having close ties to Minors both personally and professionally, while not willing to have their name printed, expressed bewilderment at the entire situation.

"It all seems a bit fishy to me,'' said the individual. "I can't understand or even try to understand how Dean could be involved in something like this.

"This would be something so totally out of character, it's not funny, and I really can't believe what I'm hearing.

"Dean has a good career, just got his Masters degree, and has the world at his fingertips. There's no reason, that I can see, why he would be caught up in something like drugs knowingly . .. it all just seems a bit fishy.'' DRUGS DGS